Robert Collins Obituary

Robert E. Collins (Bob), 81, of Greenville, S.C., passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 23, 2025. Bob was born in Abbeville, S.C., on April 4, 1944, to Bernice Virginia Emory and Ellison Adolphus Collins, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Anita Ferguson Collins, his brothers Darrel Wayne Collins and Richard Ellison Collins. He is survived by his wife, Beverly Goolsby Collins; son Steve Collins (Michelle); and two granddaughters, Ann Collins and Kate Collins. Bob is also survived by Beverly's children, Dan (Natalie), their three children; and Tracy Willis, her three children, and two grandchildren. Bob loved his granddaughters more than anything in the world and would spend hours looking at their videos and pictures. A highlight of his last few months was getting to see them play soccer in Spartanburg one more time. Bob was a graduate of Abbeville High School. Upon graduating from high school, he attended the University of South Carolina on a football scholarship, where he was a 3-year letterman from 1963-65. In 1966, Bob was a 12th round draft pick by the Atlanta Falcons in their inaugural year of existence. Bob began working for the United States Secret Service in 1974. He served in Detroit, M.I., Savannah, G.A., and protected President Jimmy Carter in Plains, G.A., shortly after President Carter left office. Bob opened the Greenville, S.C., office in 1984 and stayed at the Greenville office until his retirement in 2000. While in the Secret Service, Bob rose to the rank of Resident Agent in Charge of the Greenville office. During his time with the U.S. Secret Service, Bob received numerous commendations, including the Strom Thurmond Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement. A Memorial service for Bob will be held from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5th at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown, 639 N. Main Street, Greenville, S.C. 29601. Following the service, there will be a gathering at the AC Hotel at 315 S Main St, Greenville, SC., 29601. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Blood Cancer United. Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Bob with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory."