Don Collins, 78, passes

Don Collins, a former county commissioner who was instrumental in promoting the renovation of the courthouse, passed away Thursday, May 14. He was a leader of many organizations in the community and was the president of the Pike Historic Preservation and a founding member of the nonprofit organization. He was a longtime Kiwanis member and a faithful blood donor and helper at American Red Cross blood drives. For many years, he managed the Tour de Pike for Kiwanis, which has brought thousands of cyclists to the area over the years. He was a board member of the Zebulon Downtown Development Authority and was instrumental in rebuilding the west side of the courthouse square, serving as a volunteer general contractor during the months and years of work. As a commissioner, he pushed for a full renovation of the courthouse using the best practices and materials available. He pushed for the completion of the circle of bricks around the courthouse square – which was enlarged after the addition to the courthouse was complete. He collected the orders and delivered them himself to the brick engraver in Columbus. He has served on many other boards and with various organizations over the years while managing a successful commercial pecan orchard. He was the leader of the Pike 2020 committee which developed a report that is on file at the library. The citizen group studied the county with help from a state resource team and issued the report listing ways to implement the resource team’s ideas. Funeral arrangement information has not yet been made available. Check the Pike County Journal Reporter for updates.