Jonathan Collis

With a heart as vast as the Georgia sky and a spirit as infectious as laughter, Jonathan Scott Collis, known fondly as Jon by friends and family, painted the world with hues of love, generosity, and unending dedication. Born on December 14, 1979, in Demorest, GA, he dedicated his life to nurturing bonds, crafting memories, and making every moment count. Jonathan's life, although cut short on October 6, 2023, was a testament to the beauty of a life lived in service of others.

Jonathan lived in Dawsonville, GA, after growing up in Dahlonega, but his heart was always in the great outdoors. As a mechanic by profession, he found joy in the intricate dance of gears and pistons, a career he pursued with passion at Dalton Automotive. His love for mechanics extended beyond his work and into his hobbies, which included tinkering with his truck and playing with RC Cars. Yet, the adrenaline rush of riding dirt bikes, the tranquility of kayaking, the challenge of bow fishing, and the artistry of photography were also facets of his vibrant personality. As Albert Einstein once said, "Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." This quote encapsulates Jonathan's love for adventure and his profound connection with nature.

However, Jonathan's most cherished moments were spent with his family. His adoring wife Melody, whom he married on August 23, 2006, and again on October 14, 2006, and their two precious sons, Tyler and Nathan, were the cornerstones of his universe. Jonathan's love for his family was a beacon, guiding and inspiring those around him. Despite his many achievements, including graduating with honors in automotive technology from North Georgia Technical College, he believed his greatest accomplishment was watching his boys grow into remarkable young men.

Jonathan is survived by his beloved wife Melody; his dear sons, Tyler and Nathan; his father, Eddie Collis; his mother, Regina Wood; his siblings, Sean (Jessica) Martin, Beth (Josh) Watts, Jennifer Collis, and Chris Garner; his father-in-law, Jerry (Myrna) Leaphart; his brothers-in-law, Judah Leaphart and Joseph (Christian) Leaphart. Also, his nieces and nephews, Erick, Gray, Silas, Hunter, Bellamy, Eden, Ezra, Elijah, Rhodes, and Brighton. And his best friends who were more like brothers, Justin Ravan and Justin Turner. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, William (Allene) Wood and paternal grandmother Grace Blackwell.

In the words of Maya Angelou, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Jonathan's loving, funny, and generous spirit will remain an unwavering beacon of joy and love in our hearts. We invite you to share your memories and upload photos of Jonathan to the memorial page, preserving the legacy of a man whose laughter echoed in our hearts and whose love transcends time.

A celebration of life will be held on November 4, 2023, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Dahlonega Funeral Home with a memorial gathering immediately following. In lieu of flowers, Jon asked that you please consider donating to the boys and anything they may need. Donations can be made via Venmo (@Collis_MTN_Fund) or mailed to Melody at 162 Northfield Circle, Dawsonville, GA 30534.