Gary Russell Collins, of Orlando passed away in his home on Thursday, September 20, 2012 surrounded by his family and friends. He was diagnosed with malignant melanoma on November 11, 2011. His faith and courage inspired and sustained all who journeyed with him this past year. He was born on May 24, 1960 in Charleston, SC and grew up in Myrtle Beach, SC. He was the son of the late Dr. Arthur Russell Collins from Newberry, SC and Loye Jones Adams, currently of Orlando, FL. He was a caring son to his parents, a loving husband to Jean Tallyn Collins, his wife of 30 years and a devoted father to his daughter, Tallyn Diane Collins. He is survived by his mother, his wife and daughter and his brother, David P. Collins of Myrtle Beach, SC as well as numerous brothers and sisters- in-law, nieces and nephews, cousins and friends that he adored. To everyone, Gary was a true southern gentleman, a kind soul with a broad smile and a unique dry sense of humor. He and Jean met working at a summer job in the emergency room and it was truly love at first sight. He graduated from The Citadel in 1982 and continued his post graduate work at the University of NC in Chapel Hill before taking a position with Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Columbia, SC. Later he and Jean moved to Orlando where in 1988 he started his business, Professional Reimbursement, Inc. providing infusion therapy reimbursement services and consultation. He was a nationally recognized expert on infusion therapy reimbursement and authored numerous articles on this topic. He was a member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church where over the span of twenty five years, he took on a variety of roles which included singing with the Sanctuary Choir, teaching Sunday School and acting as Sunday School Hall Manager, as well as serving as an usher, a Stephen Minister, a small group leader and a youth counselor. Gary also volunteered for Family Promise, an organization that helps families in need of temporary housing and assistance. Gary cherished his role as a Dad and a favorite time in his life was when he and Tallyn were in the YMCA Indian Princess program together in the Iroquois Tribe. Gary (aka Laughing Bunny) even served as the Fox Nation Chief for one year. He was a man devoted to his faith, his family and his community. All are invited to a celebration of Gary’s life at 10:00 am on October 20, 2012 at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church with a reception following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Gary’s memory to St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 4851 S. Apopka-Vineland Road, Orlando FL 32819. Tags: 1982
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