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Wesley Allen “Al” Collins, 81, of Bainbridge, passed away Wednesday, September 27, 2023. 

The funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Paul Thomas and Rev. Melissa Traver officiating. Interment will be at Oak City Cemetery with Johnny Reynolds, Marx Gaines, Johnny Skipper, Joe Barlow, Sammy Hand, Keith Lyle, Chris Hobby, Charles Walker, Steve Elrod, and Butch Yarbrough serving as active pallbearers. 

The family will receive friends immediately following the service. Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. Memorial donations may be made to your charity of choice.

Wesley Allen Collins was born November 30, 1941, in Columbus, GA, the son of William & Waver Cross Collins. He was a graduate of Bainbridge High School, Class of 1959, and attended Lakeland Bible College. He worked as a homebuilder for many years, several years at Georgia Power, and also as General Manager of Columbus Truck Sales. Al returned to Bainbridge in 1986 and married the love of his life, Marilyn Isaacs. Together they operated Isaacs Bakery until their retirement. Our community recognized their contributions and honored them as Grand Marshalls of the 2021 Christmas Parade and recipients of the Chamber of Commerce Pioneer Award. Al was an active member of First United Methodist Church. 

Al Collins was a true Christian who walked his talk every day. He always did what was right because it was right and helped others be better versions of themselves. Al loved unconditionally and was willing to lend a helping hand regardless of the size of the project. He served in many capacities from security team at his church to chairman of the Downtown Development Authority. His interests spanned from Bearcat football to NASCAR, go-carts to airplanes, offshore fishing to restoring cars. Al could build anything and satisfied whatever Marilyn asked. Al’s love for old cars and trucks spilled over to a fan club for “Old Rusty”. His family was a priority, and he made it a point to be present for every sporting event for the children. His sense of humor could be summed up in his unforgettable greeting, “Hey cuz” and his sage advice, “You don’t have to tell everything you know.” He led by example in the business world and the home front. His humble spirit did not allow him to consider himself a legend, however, his people would certainly disagree.

Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Marilyn Isaacs Collins; his children, Kim & Ronnie Thomas of Columbus, Jill & Jose Sierra also of Columbus, Allison & Stan Newton of Jacksonville, AL, Donna & David Halligan of Bradenton, FL, and Kelly & Vince Santo of Clermont, FL; his grandchildren, Clay & Olivia, Shawn, Wesley & Kortney, Ashley & Curt, Summer, Kyle & Anne, Connor & Megan, Taylor, Catherine & David, Casey & Julie, Cole, and Kristin; his great-grandchildren, Grayson, Curtis, Palmer, Beatrice, Laila, Dominic, Kirby, Sutton, Emory, Perry, Grace Anne, Wyatt, Luke, Flora, Garner, and Marilyn; and his siblings, Cindy Carter (David) and Steve Collins. In addition to his parents, Al was preceded in death by his brother, David Collins.

Bryant Funeral Home, located at 105 N. Florida Street, is assisting the family with arrangements. (229-246-3321)