Born Collins James Bennett on October 14, 1946, to Jeanette Bennett (Smith) and James Lowery and raised by Lewis Smith in Cleveland, Ohio.
Collins, who was affectionately known by either "Roddie" or "Ronnie", depending on who you talked to, was baptized at an early age, went to school in the Cleveland public school system, graduating from Glenville High School in 1965, where he met his high school sweetheart, Sandra K. Scroggins and later marrying in June of 1965. Of this union, they had 3 wonderful children: Thomas (Monica), Collins, Jr (Paula), Anthony (Musett). In the early 1980s, Collins became a member of Willson United Methodist Church and has been a truly, faithful servant until his passing on June 29, 2021.
Collins worked many jobs to provide for his family before retiring as an insurance agent for IGA insurance in early 2000's. Two special interest jobs included managing his sister's musical group and troop leader for his sons' Boy Scout Troop 386. Collins also enjoyed fishing, model trains, and time with his family.
Collins leaves behind three men and their families; mother-in-law, Annie B. Thomas; stepmom, Earlyene Smith; brother, Mark Smith; sister, Carolyn Gay; two brothers-in-law, Teddy Day, and Reginald C. Scroggins; 10+ grandchildren, 8+ great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, The Willson UM Church Family and a whole host of friends throughout the years that he met.
Collins was proceeded in death by his wife of 51 years, Sandra K. Bennett; mother, Jeanette Smith; fathers, James Lowery, and Lewis Smith; two sisters, Joyce Whaley, and Betty White-Day; aunt, Josephine Campbell; and best friend, Joe Lee Cobb.