Larry James Collins, of Jackson, Michigan

Larry James Collins of Jackson, MI, passed away on January 6, 2026, in Michigan, after a brief illness. He was preceded in death by parents, Hobert C. Collins and Verda Ray Partin Collins of Lafollette, Tennessee; paternal grandparents, Lizzie Ausmus Collins and Marion Newton Collins of Lafollette, Tennessee; and maternal grandparents, Angeline and Chester Partin of Laurel Fork, Kentucky.

He is survived by his sister, Lana Johnson, and her husband, David W. Johnson, of Falmouth ME; his nephew, Wesley D. Johnson, and his wife, Amy Johnson, of Portland Maine; his nephew, Benjamin A. Johnson; of Portland, Maine; his niece, Shelley A Manzotti, and her husband, John Manzotti, of Johnston, Rhode Island; and his five grandnieces: Molly Johnson, Fiona Johnson, Kaylee Kopka, Karissa Kopka, and Zoe Johnson-Watters.

Because his father was also in the U.S. Army, Mr. Collins had lived in 32 different homes stateside, as his father was transferred to different assignments. He moved to Michigan and attended Michigan State University. He later served as a Sergeant in the Vietnam War. He received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal w/2 bronze service stars, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and Expert Marksman.

Memorial services and interment will be held Saturday, May 23, at 11:00 AM, graveside at Wilson-New Salem Cemetery, 371 White Oak Road, Speedwell, TN. The Campbell County Military Honor Guard, led by Commander Jerry Hurst, will perform the honors ceremony and flag presentation with Chaplain J.C. Asbury officiating.

Lunch is to follow the service, with the location to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.

Arrangements by Cross-Smith Funeral Home, Lafollette, TN.