Jerry L. Collins
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Jerry L. Collins - age 79 of Knoxville was called home to our Lord and Savior on Wednesday, February 10, 2021. Jerry was born on July 5, 1941 in Knoxville, TN and graduated from East High School. He joined the Army and then the Air Force dutifully serving more than twenty years before retiring as a decorated Master Sergeant in 1980. He then carried on with excellence in a second career at Friden. Jerry enjoyed traveling and was able to do so for both of his career choices. He lived in many places, but his home was always Knoxville, and he was an avid Vols fan. He was a fountain of knowledge, never quitting learning, and is remembered fondly by his spirited, intelligent, and humorous conversation. He lived a long and fulfilling life with many other beloved family and friends passing before him. Jerry is preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Linda Collins; father, Ed Collins; mother, Pearl Maples; brothers, Robert and Russell Maples; sister-in-law, Mary Maples; grandchildren, Shanda and Caleb Haggard; and son-in-law, Jeff Lindamood. Jerry is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 20 years, Linda Collins; daughter, Elisa Collins-Haines and husband Bill; daughter, Justine Lee Lindamood; step-son, Christopher Gillison and wife Connie; step-son, Jeffrey Gillison and wife Erin; grandchildren, Steven Cohen, Jackie Berndt and husband Josh, Jesse Lindamood, Joseph Lindamood, Kayla Denapoli, Peyton Gillison, Trinity Gillison, Trenton Pettigrew, Cecilia Gillison, Adriana Gillison; great grandchildren, Huxley Berndt and Neyland Berndt. He is also survived by his beloved pet companions. The family will receive friends 4:00-6:00 PM Tuesday, February 16, 2021, at Bridges Funeral Home followed by the funeral service at 6:00 PM. The funeral service may be viewed securely on the Bridges Funeral Home website. There will be a private graveside service with full military honors. Arrangements by Bridges Funeral Home, 5430 Rutledge Pike, 865-523-4999. www.bridgesfuneralhome.com