Hume Self Collins, Jr.

Hume Self Collins, Jr., 85, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on Thursday November 11, 2021 at his home in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina. He was born on June 15, 1936 in Hickory, North Carolina to the late Hume Self Collins, Sr. & Naoma Cline Collins.

Along with his parents, Hume is reunited in passing with his beloved wife of 61 years, Janette J. Collins.

Hume was a hardworking man with a heart of gold. In his youth, he was an excellent athlete pursuing all sports, but his love was football. During his senior year, Hume was selected to participate in the NC Shrine Bowl and the East-West All Star Game where for many years, he held the record for most points scored. He attended Lenoir-Rhyne University where his prodigious gridiron achievements resulted in being inducted into the LR Hall of Fame in 1996.  Later in life, Hume fed his competitive nature in running.  For many years he hit the pavement at 5 a.m., 7 days a week.  He participated and medaled in many 5 and 10k events.  He ran several marathons including the prestigious New York marathon.

Hume was a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Hickory, NC.  He is a descendent of Michael Lee Cline, one of 26 charter members of church established in 1876. Hume’s love for Holy Trinity was not a secret to anyone who knew him.

In addition to his church commitment, where he served 20 years on the Church Council, Hume was extremely community-oriented serving on numerous Boards and Commissions including; Hickory Recreation Commission Chairmen, Chair of the Greater Hickory United Fund, Chair of Western Piedmont Safety Council, President of Piedmont Personnel Association, Charter President and organizer of the Hickory Running Club, Hickory All-American City Committee, President of Hickory High Booster Club, Charter Member of Hickory Rotary East, President of Hickory Jaycees, State Chair of the NC Jaycees, Board of Advisors Ten Broek Hospital, Mayors Blue Ribbon Committee.  In 1969, Hume was named Hickory Outstanding Young Man. 

After serving 32 years as a Human Resources executive with Shuford Mills, Hume retired in 1996.  Following his retirement, he enjoyed traveling with Janette and other family friends.  It was during this time that Hume and Janette began spending more time on the South Carolina Coast enjoying the sandy beaches and warm sea air. He could never venture away for long before the peace in the crashing waves and the gentle breezes called him back to the ocean.  They heard him say it so often, his grandchildren literally believed that he was solely responsible for making sure the water was still in the ocean! When in Garden City, Hume was welcomed by the loving family of Shephard of the Sea Lutheran. Above all else, Hume loved his family with his whole heart. He will be deeply missed.

Left to cherish Hume’s memory are his son, Mark Collins and wife, Karen of Summerfield, NC; two daughters, Kim Mulcahy of Wilmington, NC & Leslie Collins and Leeann Carpenter of Baltimore, MD; grandchildren, Danielle, Kendra (Zeke), Michelle, Stefani (Hiro), Cameron, Andrew; four great-grandchildren; brother Reverend Dr. Michael (Sondra) Collins of Ocala, Florida; sister, Harriette Collins King of Hickory, NC; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins; a large, loving, extended family and many supportive friends and neighbors.

The family would also like to extend a special thank-you to Cynthia Wessinger who provided love and support for Hume in his final years.  Additionally, the family would like to thank the loyal “Village” of Jamestown Colony in Murrells Inlet for their love and support of Hume.

A Celebration of Hume’s life will be held on Monday November 15, 2021 at 10am at Shepherd of the Sea Lutheran Church, 2637 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576. A second Celebration of Hume’s life will be held at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Hickory, NC, on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at 1 p.m.

At the request of the family, please consider memorial contributions in lieu of flowers. Donations in Hume’s name may be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Youth and/or Music Ministry (https://htlchickory.org/shelbygiving), or Shepherd of the Sea Lutheran Church Food Pantry, 2637 US-17 BUS, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576.

To view these details online or to offer words of comfort through the online guestbook, kindly visit the funeral home website at www.burroughsfh.com.

Burroughs Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Murrells Inlet, (843.651.1440) is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.