Joseph Lehman Collins' Obituary
Joseph “Joe” Lehman Collins, 82, of South Point, OH, left his earthly body and passed on into the arms of Jesus on Sunday, December 28, 2025. Joe was born March 3, 1943, to the late Otis L. and Frieda M. Collins, and was preceded in death by his son-in-law, Jim Daniels. He is survived by his soul mate and love of his life, his wife of 61 years, Toni Collins and his three children: Lisa Daniels of South Point, OH, Wesley Collins of Chesapeake, OH, and Craig (LeeAnna) Collins of Proctorville, OH. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren, who were his pride and joy: David Adkins of Boise, ID, Casey (Kevin) Gibbs, of Thompson, CT, Grayson Collins of Fort Meyers, FL, Sheridyn Collins of Naples, FL, Alaina Collins (fiance Jordan Hughes) of Lexington, KY, Anistyn Collins of Chesapeake, OH, and Carter Collins of Proctorville, OH. Also left mourning his loss are his sister-in-law, Linda Runyon of Rush, KY, a host of nieces, nephews and their families and several grand dogs and grand cats.
Joe loved life and will be remembered for his devotion to his family, problem-solving abilities, athleticism, love for donuts, and of course, his quick wit and sense of humor. He will especially be remembered for his undying love and affection for his wife. In addition, he loved the Lord. Even as his body was declining with the horrible disease, Lewy Body Dementia, his faith never wavered. He stayed positive and maintained a sense of humor until the very end, to which the staff of Wyngate Assisted Living enjoyed.
Joe was born in Huntington, West Virginia, where he spent most of his 82 years as a respected, integrated member of the community. He was a 1961 graduate of Huntington High School, and attended Marshall University, where he earned a Bachelor’s in General Engineering in 1965.
He owned and operated the family business, Top Quality Meats, for over 40 years, until he had to retire to take care of his wife (which he did faithfully until he could not). In the business world, he operated on integrity and honesty, even when it was unpopular. He was also heavily involved in Kiwanis, the Huntington City Mission and bowling in his younger days.
He was an exceptional athlete, starting with his baseball days as he played for the Huntington High Pony Express (making the WV all-state team one year), where he went on to play third base at Marshall University under the late Coach Jack Cook. He passed his love of baseball onto his children and spent countless hours with them practicing batting, pitching, catching, and also spent much time at the Little League field as a coach and mentor to many other young aspiring athletes. Although he loved baseball, his sporting passion was unequivocally the game of golf. His years are filled with accolades of tournaments, holes-in-one, and qualifying for the state amateur, with his greatest joy being able to pass his love of the game to his sons and some of his grandchildren.
When his children were young, he hung up his golf cleats, bought a boat, and built a house (complete with a boat dock) on Ohio River so that he could spend time with his family as opposed to the golf course. An accomplished water skier, he passed his skills on to his children and will be remembered for impressive feats, including forming a pyramid with two of his friends.
Those who knew him will also remember him as a gracious host. He loved opening his home to others, whether it be family gatherings, Sunday school parties, or any event requiring a big backyard. When his children were growing up, the Collins home was “the” house for sleepovers and always had extra children running around–in the house, outside of the house, and in the laundry chute.
Joe loved his family dearly and was a godly, shining example of a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and uncle. He always put his family first, a value he instilled in his children. His family will cherish their memories of his love, encouraging words, and decades of Thanksgivings, Christmases, and birthdays that were held in his home.
Beyond his devotion to his family and friends, he loved the Lord and served whenever he could. Joe was a charter member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Barboursville, WV, where he was a faithful member and highly involved as the director of the bus ministry, deacon, and choir member, and later was a faithful member of Highlawn Baptist Church, and finally New Baptist Church. He was also a “cheerful giver” and was always faithful in giving of his time, money, and talent for the Lord’s work.
The family would like to send a special thank you to Hospice of Huntington and especially to the wonderful staff at the Wyngate Assisted Living Home in Barboursville, WV, where he spent his final two years together with his wife.
The service will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Hall Funeral Home & Crematory, Proctorville, OH, with Pastor Trent Eastman presiding. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 10:00-11:00 am and the burial will be at Miller Memorial Gardens in Crown City, OH. Condolences may be expressed at https://ehallfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to either New Baptist Church (Operation Christmas Child) or the Lewy Body Dementia Association.
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