Norman Keith Collins

Norman Keith Collins, 84, passed away peacefully at home in Tryon, NC, on Monday, December 20, 2021. Keith was born on April 3, 1937, in Forest City, NC, and grew up in Gastonia, NC. He attended Gastonia High School, Belmont Abbey College, and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.

Keith is survived by his wife, Rebecca Froneberger Collins of Tryon, NC; sons Dan Russell Collins (Reba) of Greenville, SC; Benjamin Keith Collins (Scotty) of Charlotte, NC; John Michael Collins (Samantha) of West Palm Beach, FL; and Christopher Rhodes Collins (Stephanie) of Greenville, SC.

He had six grandchildren.

Keith was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, mentor, confidant, and companion.  Making acquaintances and friends, often from total strangers, was one of his life’s missions.   He had a big and gracious heart and shared common experiences with people from all walks of life.

Keith’s career as a Sales & Marketing Entrepreneur was varied and successful.  He traveled this great country and much of the world doing what he did best; selling his wares, solving problems and making people feel appreciated.  His generosity knew no bounds, and his motives were never in question.  Throughout his life, his standards for himself and others could seem rigorous, but as he tempered with age, his favorite saying was, “Folks are just trying to do the best with what they’ve been given.”  Keith retired from active business to Tryon, NC, in 2001.

In addition to Keith’s passion and love of golf, woodworking, and history, Keith served on the Board of Directors for Thermal Belt Outreach, St. Luke’s Hospital Foundation, and Tryon Arts & Crafts.  He was an active member of the Tryon Congregational Church serving on the Board of Trustees and as Treasurer.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a charity of your choosing.  A memorial celebration will be held at a later date.

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