Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Grady Howard Collins, age 70, of Lumberton, NC died on February 16, 2010 at Southeastern Regional Medical Center. He was born in Bladen County, NC on April 15, 1939 to Bradley and Myrtle Talton Collins. He was a veteran of the United States Army.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Myrtle Talton Freeman; his father, Bradley Howard Collins; step-father, Dewey Freeman and granddaughter, Angelique Mobley.

Mr. Collins is survived by his wife, Paulette \\"Jean\\" Collins; two sons, Gregg Collins and wife Catherine of Charlotte, NC and Richard Collins of Hampton, VA; one daughter, Marie Dessert and husband Dennis of Lumberton, NC; three sisters, Ellen Dishman and Pinky Phillips of Lumberton, NC, Lynne Walters of Robersonville, NC; one step-brother, Ronnie Freeman of Lumberton, NC; an uncle Calvin Talton of Lumberton, NC; seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February, 20, 2010 at 4:00 PM at Floyd Memorial Chapel in Lumberton with Rev. Ellis Autry officiating.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2010 prior to the service from 3:00-4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to the American Cancer Society, 8300 Health Park, Suite 10, Raleigh, NC 27615.