David Warner Collins Obituary

David Warner Collins of Lexington, SC departed this life for his heavenly home on Saturday, May 10, 2025 while under the care of family and MSA Hospice at his home.

David (Dave) was a native of Alexandria, Virginia, where he attended Woodlawn Elementary School and Mount Vernon High School, graduating in 1956. Following two years of Army service at Fort Jackson, SC, he had the distinction of being the 76th career firefighter employed by the then expanding Fairfax County, Virginia Fire and Rescue Services. From 1962 until July 4, 1987, he selflessly served his neighbors and fellow citizens as firefighter, EMT, and leader of men. His many other avenues of service included serving Plymouth Haven Baptist Church in Alexandria, VA as an usher and a working member of the properties committee. He was a Scout leader for his sons and performed many other services when called upon by friends, family and co-workers. He was accomplished in many fields, two of which were auto mechanics and improving/repairing different abodes when needed. He had a keen sense of helpfulness and kindness and loved sharing his gifts with anyone in need.

Upon retirement as a Lieutenant from the Fire Service, he relocated to Lexington, SC where he again served his church, Lexington Baptist, as usher, builder/renovator of several Sunday school spaces, and a volunteer with youth mission trips. He also accompanied 21 other men of the church in 1988 to form a Missions Team to Brasilia, Brazil, where they constructed 3 chapel buildings.

Never one to remain idle, even in retirement, he found much needed projects among the senior adult church population: jobs too small for major contractors, mostly handy-man things. However, this progressed to an almost full-time business with requests for decks, porches, sunrooms, and various small enhancements to outdated interiors.

Mr. Collins was born in Washington, DC in November of 1937 to George W. (Jack) and Martha Cable Collins. He was predeceased by his parents of Alexandria, VA and his brother, E. Mallory Collins of Murfreesboro, TN. Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Lou Alice Collins (nee Parker); three sons, Kenneth (Lynda), Kevin (Darwin), and Kyle (Elizabeth); nine grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Sandi Russell Collins of Lexington, SC and Mrs. Helen Parker Nunn of Mechanicsville, VA; plus numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life has been planned for David on May 25, 2025 at the Lexington Baptist Church Worship Center at 3:00 PM, with visitation to be held one hour prior at 2:00 PM, also in the Worship Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or to your favorite charity.