Craig Collins

Craig was born December 5, 1953 in Miami Florida. On March 20, 2025, he peacefully passed away in Cumming Georgia.

At the age of 17, Craig joined the United States Marine Corps. After boot camp at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, the military stationed this Miami boy in Adak, Alaska. He mentioned having seen the sun twice while stationed there. Craig received an honorable discharge in 1975, along with the National Defense Service Medal, Rifle Expert Badge and 45 Pistol Badge. He also received the Good Conduct Medal. Anyone who knew Craig, was keenly aware of his pride of having served in the Marine Corps.

Craig’s life can be summed up with the Marine Corps motto: Semper fidelis (Always Faithful). His commitment to his family, friends and animals was unwavering.

Craig has several careers which spanned from being a longshoreman at the Port of Miami, to owning a tanning salon in Miami and finally fulfilled his life pursuit of being a photography instructor at the Southeastern Center for the Arts and Showcase Photography in Atlanta Georgia.

As a longshoreman, Craig was responsible for properly loading the cargo to ensure the load was balanced. One time after the ship was loaded, a gentleman with 5 Ferraris approached Craig and told him these cars MUST get on the shipment. Craig told him NO. After receiving an offer he could not refuse and warning the man of the risks, the cars were placed on the container. The ship did fine…until the hurricane. At which point, the ship and Ferraris sank. (Note: None of the crew was lost.)

A deaf client started using the tanning salon. Having to communicate using pad and pencil, Craig decided to learn sign language. He taught himself several signs and when Marilyn came back to the salon, she was overjoyed that Craig had taken the time to learn sign language just for her. Throughout his life, he had several opportunities to use sign language, which was always appreciated by those he was signing with.

In 1989, Theresa (Terri) Finch, met Craig at the tanning salon. He was so shy that she finally asked him out. On June 26, 1993 they were married in Alpharetta, Georgia. The family consisted of many 4-legged fur babies. Craig had a special connection with Sue, the ‘not really a chihuahua,’ 40 pound dog. Sue was a great support to Craig and would lay her head in his lap when he was not having a good day.

Craig took up Remote Control Airplanes. Like anything Craig wanted to do, he became proficient. He could make the plane just hang in the sky or fly upside down a foot above the ground. Another example of Craig’s generosity towards others is when he taught Ray, a paraplegic due to cerebral palsy, how to fly. Craig rolled Ray out to the flight line, and using a buddy-box, taught Ray to fly. Ray had a great sense of joy and pride when he successfully flew his first solo flight.

Above all else, Craig wanted to make people smile and laugh. He was known for his jokes and pranks. Once, knowing of his police officer friend’s fear of snakes, put a fake snake in the patrol car. After hearing 3 shots of a magnum 45 from inside the vehicle…the snake and transmission were declared dead.

Craig will always be remembered for his welcoming smile, twinkling blue eyes, and gorgeous hair. We’ll always imagine him telling one of his favorite jokes. We could not have asked for a better friend and will miss Craig every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.

Craig is survived by his wife of 32 years, Terri Collins, his brother Jensen Collins (and family Debbie, Brian, and Dave), Sister-in-law Cheryl Lane(and family Allen, Robbie, Catie, Ginnie, and Tommie) and Brother-in-law Michael Finch (and family Lynn, Morgan, Ashleigh and Sarah).

Job 8:21: "He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy."

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 11:00am. Services to be held at McDonald Family Funeral Homes, located at 150 Sawnee Drive, Cumming GA 30040.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution to one of Craig’s favorite charities is appreciated

Alzheimer's Association

Wounded Warrior Program

Forsyth Humane Society