John Smiley Collins

John Smiley Collins, a retired United Methodist minister and a member of the Kentucky United Methodist Conference for over 50 years, age 86 passed away on July 6, 2010 at the Wesley Manor Retirement Community where he was a resident. He is survived by his wife Jo Ann Vanada Kelley Collins; his two sons, Keith Collins of Chicago, Illinois and David Collins of Louisville, Kentucky; one grandson, James Collins and his two brothers, Willard Collins of New Albany, Indiana and Clyde Collins of Corydon, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Pansy Taylor Collins.

J. Smiley Collins was born April 19, 1924 in Glens Fork, Kentucky. His parents were John Collins and Lola Smiley Collins. Young Smiley joined the Air Force and served as a chaplain’s assistant in Burma, China, and India during World War 2. After the war he earned degrees from Lindsey Wilson Junior College and Union College. He later received a Doctorate of Divinity from Emory University in Atlanta, and was the published author of the book, Man of Devotion- Francis Asbury. Reverend Collins served as pastor to several Methodist churches throughout Kentucky, including churches at Fern Creek, Preston Highway, and St. Paul’s in Louisville.

A memorial service will be held at the Christ Church United Methodist on Friday, July 16 at 10:30 a.m. in Louisville, KY. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Vanada-Collins scholarship fund at Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, Kentucky.