R. Fred Collins, age 62, of Pikeville, NC, formerly of Monroe, passed away Wednesday, August 20, 2008. Fred was born October 17, 1945 in Monroe, MI the son of the late Dewey and Leva (Reed) Collins. From 1962 to 1964 Fred served his country proudly in the US Army. On March 6, 1964 in Monroe, Fred married his beloved wife the former Linda C. Goins. Fred was employed as a truck Driver for TST Expedited Services in Detroit for the past 9 years. For 14 years Fred and Linda owned Len Fren Jewelers in Monroe and for 1-½ years they owned the Grapevine Restaurant in Dundee. Fred enjoyed, riding Harley Davidson's, traveling, spending time in the Smokey Mountains, and playing cards with his family. Above all else Fred simply enjoyed his family. Fred is survived by his wife Linda of Pikeville, NC, his son Jason C. (Tomoko) Collins of Pikeville, NC, his daughters; Carol L. (Bill) Gibbs of Augusta, MI and Michelle M. (Mike) Procy of Tazewell, TN, 9 cherished grandchildren; Rachael. Ashley, Brittany, Ben, Travis, Chelsey, Seth, Michael and Aika. In addition to his parents Fred was preceded in death by a son Michael, 2 brothers; Guy and Troy and 2 sisters; Jean and Karen. Visitation will be held on Friday from 3-9 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, where funeral services celebrating Fred's life will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2008 at 11:00 AM. The Rev. Harold Raines will officiate. Interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park.