Bro. Donald Wayne Collins

God called home today, one of His most loyal and faithful servants. Never has there been and possibly will never be again, a man that God took from humble beginnings of a garage man’s son, to preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ which led to the salvation of countless souls.  Donnie Collins, car #69 as he was known on the early days of Nascar, who won over 14 races in his brief racing career, that ended in May of 1959 upon the acceptance of Christ’s salvation as he turned down the opportunity to drive the 3rd car in what was formerly known as Lee Petty Racing, (Petty Enterprises). Not long after he accepted the call to preach and in years following, Don, as he was known while working in his local car repair facility; after being Certified by General Motors in what was the new Automatic Transmission, began Friendly Chapel Church.

The start of Friendly Chapel was the beginning of a ministry that led to countless souls saved and lives changed from Pilot Mountain NC to literally all over the world. God used a man with less than an eighth- grade education and an obedient heart to reach the world. One of the seemingly common things said about him was his loving and forgiving character. With a personality bigger than life and an outward countenance that “shined bright”, he touched many lives.

He leaves to cherish his memory; a son, Darius Christian “D.C.” (Barbara) Collins, a daughter, Donna Collins Adams; sisters, Louise Fulk and Sible Lawson; special friend, Frances Hicks; grandchildren, Rona Jean (Ian) Hawks, Maggie Collins, and Katie Collins; great-grandchildren, Emma Hawks and Nathaniel Hawks; Nephews, Todd (Tammy) Fulk, Ricky (Vicky) Lawson, and Chris (Elizabeth) Lawson. Don was preceded in death by his parents, Campbell Wayne and Maude Lee Simmons Collins; a son-in-law, Jerry Adams; and a brother-in-law, Curtis Fulk.

The family would like to thank Dr. Hines and the loving staff of Novant Health Cancer Institute in Mount Airy and, also to the staff of Central Continuing Care for the family-like atmosphere they provided and for everything they did, in a great way, to extend the life of our dad. Even, in the most difficult times of Covid-19, they performed at a remarkably high level.

The family will hold a private graveside service for Brother Don at Friendly Chapel Church Cemetery on January 10, 2021.

After Pandemic status has been lifted, a memorial service will be held.

Brother Don will lie in state at Cox-Needham Funeral Home on Friday, January 8, 2021 from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM and on Saturday, January 9, 2021 from 8:30 AM until 5:00 PM and on Sunday, January 10, 2021 from 8:00 AM until 12:30 PM.

In case of inclement weather please call the funeral home at 336-368-2233 before visiting.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friendly Chapel Church Building Fund at P.O. Box 426, Pilot Mountain, NC 27041

Cox-Needham is respectfully serving the Collins family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bro. Donald Wayne Collins, please visit our floral store.