Bear Creek- Don Warren Collins, a lifelong resident of Bear Creek in Hubert, NC, was welcomed home by his Heavenly Father on August 28, 2026, just one month shy of his 80th birthday. Don’s life began at Onslow Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, NC, a place that would remain central to his life’s work and community service.

Don loved God, his family, his church, and his community. He lived an abundant life in the home he proudly built in 1976 on Queens Creek at Matthews Landing. An avid fisherman and boater, Don was a fixture on the water and will be deeply missed by all who shared his love for the creek.

Don’s professional legacy was defined by work ethic and selfless service. In the early years, he worked as a bus driver for Swansboro High School, at Community Lumber, and at the Marine Corps Exchange while balancing his education. He began his civil service career in 1966 as a maintenance clerk and consistently rose the ranks to GM15. He retired on January 3, 2008, with an extraordinary 42 years, 7 months, 3 weeks, and 5 days of federal service, concluding a career as the Manpower Director for MCIEAST at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune. Throughout his tenure, Don received numerous accolades, most notably the Superior Civilian Award presented by the Commandant of the Marine Corps.

Don was equally committed to giving back to his community. He served selflessly for seven years on the Onslow Memorial Hospital Authority Board, including four years as Chairman. His profound dedication to the hospital’s mission earned him prestigious Trustee Service Award.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Mildred D. and Dennis W. Collins, his brother, Rodney D. Collins, Captain United States Air Force, KIA, Vietnam, and his cherished son, Don W. Collins, Jr. He leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion in his surviving family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary K. Collins; his children, Kimberly M. Collins, Nicolas W. Collins (Kelsey), Katherine A. Pierce (Darren), Kayla Stilley Margo Stilley, and Franklin Woody Stilley (Carla); and his grandchildren, Benson, Lincoln, Hudson, Dawson, Seth, Aiden, Madeline, Gabrielle, Gracie, and Brendan, all of whom brought immense joy to his life.

A funeral service will be held Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 11:00 am at Bear Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Terry Golden officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church then following the service family and friends are invited to gather for a meal and fellowship in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made in Don’s honor to: The Muscular Dystrophy Association (in memory of his son, Don W. Collins, Jr.) PO Box 97075, Washington, DC 20077-7258 or to Bear Creek Baptist Church, New Building Fund, 116 Great Neck Landing Road, Hubert, NC 28539.