Lewis "Dale" Collins, 78, of Lawrenceville, GA, passed away on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at Northside Hospital Gwinnett with his family by his side.

The son of the late Joe and Vivian Peeples Collins, he was born August 25, 1943.

Dale grew up in Stephens County.  He was a tackle and the kicker of the Stephens County High School football team and graduated in 1962.  He was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church.  Dale retired from Georgia Power Company where he worked the majority of his 41-year career as a lineman and trouble man returning electricity to customers in all kinds of weather.  He received the Andrew Carnegie Hero Award for saving a young woman's life who was trapped in a burning car.

Dale enjoyed being outside, spending lots of time hunting and fishing.  He could "fix" almost anything that didn't have a computer attached to it. He was a great cook from grilling to baking.  His specialty had anything to do with his prized blueberries that he was so proud of growing. He also enjoyed traveling with family, including his beloved mother and father-in-law, Joe Frank and Daphne Stowe.  He was very involved with his childrens' extra-curricular activities. He was an animal lover – from raising quail and rabbits to having numerous dogs and cats, including rescues. Dale was a faithful Georgia Bulldawg and Atlanta Braves fan – even through the "rough" years.

Dale is survived by the love of his life of 57 years, Barbara Stowe Collins; daughter Anita and son Aaron; sister Elaine Thomason; nephews, Shannon, and Jason (Susan) Thomason; one great-nephew and three great-nieces; and numerous long-time friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Buford, GA on Saturday, October 1, 2022.

This Announcement is a courtesy of Whitlock Mortuary, Funerals and Cremations.