Norman "Slick" Bethune Collins

Norman Bethune Collins, of Palestine, Texas, was born on the 9th day of September 1941 to Vernal Collins and Mozelle Russell Collins.  He passed away peacefully with his family by his side on the 22nd day of March 2026, at the age of 84.  Mr. Collins was a devoted Christian, and the family holds fast to the promise of eternal life and rejoices that he has found rest in the presence of our Lord and Savior. 

“Slick” as he was known to many, was born and raised in the heart of the Lone Pine Community in Anderson County, lifelong member of Lone Pine Baptist Church, where his roots and his faith ran deep.

A man who truly enjoyed the value of a day’s work, Mr. Collins retired from the Union Pacific Railroad after 31 years of service. He didn't just have a career there; he truly loved the job and cherished the lifelong friendships he built with his coworkers along the tracks.

When he wasn’t on the rails, Mr. Collins was a true outdoorsman. He found joy in nature, whether he was baling hay under the Texas sun or quietly tracking turkey and deer in the woods. His passion for the outdoors was matched by his expertise as an avid gun collector, a hobby he pursued with great pride and knowledge.

Above all, Mr. Collins was a family man. He loved his family fiercely, but his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews held a particularly special place in his heart. He was more than just a provider; he was a good example to everyone who knew him. Known for his solid character, he walked through life with integrity, always ready with a joke and a smile to brighten someone’s day.

Mr. Collins is preceded in death by his parents Vernal and Mozelle Collins, in-laws Paul and Clara Williams, and his brother Junior Collins.

Left to cherish the memories are his wife Emma Collins; and his sons, Troy Collins and wife Tammy, Travis Collins and wife Jamie, and Tony Collins and wife Laura.  He was the proud “PawPaw” to his grandchildren, Cole Collins and wife Brittaini, Zach Collins and wife Jana, Cade Collins, Cody Cannon and wife Haley, Erika Jones and husband Marcus, Isaac Moya and wife Samantha; great-grandchildren, Cason Mosley, Emmi Lou Collins, Augustus Collins, Ripp Cannon, Townes Cannon, Carter Cannon, Aaliyah Reyes, Alan Jones, Erin Jones, Aryianna Moya, and Isaac Moya, III. He also leaves behind his brother, Rusty Collins and wife Elaine; sister-in-law, Jane Patton and husband Arvil; several special nieces, nephews and close friends, who will miss him dearly.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from six o’clock until eight o’clock in the evening on Tuesday, the 24th day of March 2026 at Rhone Funeral Home.

Funeral services to celebrate Norman Collins life are to be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Wednesday, the 25th day of March 2026 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel with Dan Manuel officiating the service.  Immediately following the service, Mr. Collins will be laid to rest at Land of Memory Cemetery.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Gregg Walthall, Randy Collins, Kel Collins, Kenneth Collins, Allen Patton, Steve Williams, Bradley “Bit” Williams, Jeff Williams, and Cota Wilburn.  Honorary pallbearers include all his friends and coworkers from the railroad.

Funeral services for Norman Bethune Collins are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. Please visit his online memorial tribute at www.rhonefuneralhome.com, where words of comfort and condolence may be shared electronically with his family.

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