David Anthony Collins

David "Dave" Anthony Collins, 73, of Little River, South Carolina, and originally from Roanoke, Virginia, passed away March 18, 2025. He was preceded in death by his father, Ignatius "Nace" Royce Collins and mother, Patricia McCarthy Collins.

Dave is survived by his sons, Michael Patrick Collins (Richmond, Va.), Matthew Ryan Collins (Alexandria, Va.); brother, Daniel Patrick Collins (Asheville, N.C.); and former spouse, Linda Lewis Collins (Salem, VA).

Dave graduated from Roanoke Catholic High School in 1970. After graduating, he worked his way up from the warehouse to a role as a buyer at Sav-A-Stop in Salem, and continued work as a buyer in Massachusetts, Arkansas, and California. He later worked as a professional driver for VDOT's Safety Services Patrol and Salem City Public Schools as a bus driver. He took great joy in assisting members of the community through these later-in-life jobs.

Dave was smart and affable, making you feel like a close friend within minutes of meeting. He bonded with dogs easily, especially his childhood dog, Inky, and decades later, his family's dog, Sadie.

Dave excelled at his hobbies, and he had many: competitive off-road racing in his CJ-7 Jeep and riding a Norton motorcycle in his younger years, as well as cycling, diving and nationally ranked competitive billiards in his later years. He was an ardent lifelong UVA football and basketball fan, following the teams to championship games across the country. He enjoyed international travel including trips to the Caribbean, Ireland and Southeast Asia.

Upon retiring, he relocated to Little River, South Carolina, where he spent time enjoying the beach, reading, and giving back to his new community by volunteering for Meals on Wheels.

Family and friends will gather for a time of visitation on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at John M. Oakey & Son in Salem, Va. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association or by planting a tree in his memory.