Rodney Collins, 87, of Draffenville, passed away on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center of Mercy Health in Paducah.
He was born on June 25, 1939, in Cape Girardeau, Illinois, to his late parents, Gail Franklin and Lela Mare Sample Collins. Rodney dedicated much of his working life as a meat cutter in Illinois and was a proud member of Local 534 Teamsters Union before retiring. Never one to stay idle, he went on to fulfill his dream of owning and operating Rodney’s Bait and Tackle Shop in Alton, Illinois, where he enjoyed serving fellow anglers and the community for more than eleven years. In 2003, Rodney and his beloved wife, Norma, made their home in the Kentucky Lake area where Rodney enjoyed being an avid fisherman. He also enjoyed watching classic Westerns.
Rodney is survived by his wife of 67 years, Norma Ruth Blaylock Collins; daughter, Susan (Jeff) Ratliff of Carrollton, MS; four grandchildren, Neal (Nikki), Amanda (Cory), Devin, Dillyn; and several great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Robin Gayle Laue, and son, Douglas Ray Collins.
There are no services scheduled at this time.
Filbeck-Cann Funeral Home of Milner & Orr is in charge of arrangements.
You may light a candle or leave a message for the family at www.filbeckandcann.com.
