Obituary of Preston Bradley Collins

Preston Bradley (Brad) Collins, of Satellite Beach, Florida, died Sunday, 28th of November, 2010 at the age of 91. Brad was born in Durham, N.C. on the 1st of November, 1919, the youngest of six children, all of whom have predeceased him. He attended Durham public schools and North Carolina State College. As a young man, Brad enjoyed the thrill of engaging in risky sports like boxing and auto racing. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1941 and enjoyed an illustrious career in the U.S. Air Force. While a military man, he married and had a family, and during his leave time, they traveled the entire U.S.--primarily visiting the National Parks. Brad served in the military as a fighter pilot and was a decorated veteran of WWII and the Vietnam era. His military honors included the Distinguished Flying Cross Medal, The Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters, among numerous others. He was also a member of the Mach Busters Club, whose membership consisted of pilots who exceeded the speed of sound in an F-100 Super Sabre jet. His military career ended early due to injuries he sustained in the line of duty, and he retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel. Brad was a member of the Military Officers Association of America and the Disabled American Veterans (J.L. Golightly, Chapter 32). Because of his love of the water, and sailing in particular, he chose Satellite Beach, Florida for retirement and docked his sailboat "Aelous" in his backyard. Brad and his wife made numerous semi-local sailing trips, traveling as far north as Pamlico Sound, N.C., and as far south as the Florida Keys, with an occasional trip to the West Coast of Florida. They also traveled extensively outside the country throughout Europe, Canada, and Mexico. In later years, Brad enjoyed the camaraderie of friends at a local auto auction, where he was routinely inspired to buy, refurbish, and then resell a variety of cars--typically sports cars, for which he had a real passion. Brad's pride and joy was his 1979 Mercedes convertible, which his daughter Cynda presented to him as a Father's Day gift. Brad is survived by his wife of 62 years, Marge; daughter Cynda & son-in-law Marcel Arsenault, and grandson, John of Superior, Colorado; son Chris & daughter-in-law Ann, Thousand Oaks, California; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was also a wonderful grandfather to Erin who preceded him in death a few months ago. The family wishes to express their gratitude to all the providers of Tender Touch Home Care for the compassion and care given to Brad during his extended illness, with special thanks to Kristie and Paula. And very special gratitude and appreciation to our home-care angels, Donna, Aline, Susan and Cherise. Their daily presence was a ray of sunshine, and their love and devotion to Brad's walfare all these long months will never be forgotten. Those who knew Brad will remember him as a man of integrity, with a keen sense of wry humor who provided much laughter among family and friends. Memorial gathering will be held at the Beach Funeral Home, Indian Harbour Beach on Wednesday, December 1, 2010, from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. with a Service to begin at 11:00 a.m. If interested in making a donation, please send your memorial donation to The Salvation Army, 1080 S. Hickory St., Melbourne, Florida 32901. I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark nor even eagle flew -- And, while with silent lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touch the face of God. From High Flight, by John Gillespie Magee, Jr.