Obituary of McKinley Collins

McKinley Collins, 91, of Rome, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2017 at the Lutheran Home in Clinton. He was born on August 9, 1925 in Mayflower, Arkansas, a son of the late Joseph and Emma Davidson Collins. McKinley was a graduate of R.F.A. and continued his education at Syracuse University. From 1943-46 he proudly served his country by serving in the United States Army. On August 1, 1959 McKinley was united in marriage to Eleanora Wallace in Syracuse, N.Y. McKinley was employed as a Steam Plant Operator at Griffiss Air Force Base; he then went on to work at the Central New York Psychiatric Center in Marcy, N.Y. and N.Y. State Migrant Education Program. He was a member of the Rome V.F.W. and the Afro American Heritage Association. For 52 years McKinley sang in the choir at Grace Episcopal Church in Utica, N.Y. He is survived by his wife Eleanora ; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Allan Collins, Michigan, Charles and Tirza Collins, Michigan; two daughters, Elaine Allen, Michigan and Catherine Collins, Rome; seven grandchildren, McKinley, Kirston, Drew and Matthew Collins, William Pointer, Charisse Smith and David Allen; four great grandchildren, Alexander, Evan, Madison and Camron. McKinley was predeceased by a daughter, Sherry; a sister, Arcenia Wilson and grandson, Jason. Funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 22, 2017 at 1:00P.M. at Strong-Burns and Sprock Funeral Home 7751 Merrick Road, Rome. Family and friends are invited to attend callings hours on Thursday from 11:00 A.M. to 1:00P.M. prior to the service. Interment with Military Honors will take place in Westernville Cemetery.