MSgt Gary Lynn Collins Sr.

MSgt. Gary Lynn Collins Sr., 66, passed away peacefully at his home in Woodstock, Maryland, on April 12th, 2026. Born in Jefferson City on March 15th, 1960, Gary was one of the first graduating classes of Jefferson County High School and received an Associate’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from State Technical Institute at Knoxville (now Pellissippi State Community College). He enlisted in the US Air Force on September 15th, 1983, where he remained until April 25th, 2005. Gary had a successful career in the Air Force. He specialized in radar technology, was an instructor for Biomedical Equipment at the Technical Training School at Sheppard AFB, led biomedical equipment repair teams, and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant. His career was tragically cut short by a debilitating service-related disability which left him riddled with pain for the rest of his life. Despite his disability, he kept a jovial spirit – trying to whistle and sing through the pain. He was a devoted father and loving husband. He was a kind and charitable man who saw his life as one that was meant to give, not to take. Twenty-five years of pain had a toll on his body and mind, but now he is pain-free and at-home with God. He was preceded by his mother and father, Georgia Young Collins and Estell Collins; his nephew James (“Little Jimmie”) Kelley; and his sister-in-law, Katherine Kelley. He is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Hye Yong Collins; his two children, Hayley Young Collins and Dr. Gary Lynn (Natalie Belew) Collins Jr.; his four siblings: James Dean Kelley, David (Pat) Kelley, Kathy Collins, and Cindy Collins; his nieces: Vickie (Charlie) Josey, Debbie (Richard) Ledbetter, Kim (Ray) Byrd, Cynthia Kelley; his nephew, Alan (Lindsey) Kelley and Dr. James D. Collins; and 29 Great Nieces and Nephews, and 8 Great-great Nieces and Nephews. A funeral will be held in his honor on Wednesday, April 22nd, at the Fielden Funeral Home in New Market, TN. Visitation will be from 5PM to 7PM, followed by a service. Military Honors will be presented for him on Thursday, April 23rd, at the East Tennessee Veterans Cemetery (John Sevier Hwy) at 2PM followed by his burial with full military honors by East Tennessee Veterans Honor Guard. Fielden Funeral Home is honored to serve the Collins family.

MSgt Gary Lynn Collins Sr.

March 15, 1960 - April 12, 2026