Ernest " Ernie" Cargo Collins, Jr

Ernest Cargo Collins Jr, 73, passed away peacefully on May 16, 2024. Born on November 25, 1950 in Mount Airy, North Carolina. Ernie was the son of Ernest Cargo Collins Sr. and Madelyn Cromer Collins. After graduating from Mount Airy High School in 1969, he attended Appalachian State University where he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Education in 1974. Known fondly as Mr. Collins, Mr. C, or Coach, he dedicated much of his career to physical education, science, and coaching sports in both Virginia and Mount Airy City Schools district. Later in life he earned a Masters in Education for Administration from Gardner-Webb University and became an elementary school principal for Surry County Schools. He happily retired from the Education field in 2009 and fulfilled a lifelong dream of living at the beach, where he loved hosting family and friends. He was most proud of his two daughters and enjoyed sharing about them to others.

Ernie was strong, determined, and tough. He was known for his love for the game of golf, exercise, spending time with friends, live music, his extensive antique car collection, and his lifelong hobby of restoring cars. Ernie loved his Jeep Willys and spent some of his final days collaborating on car repairs. 

Ernie is preceded in death by father Ernest Cargo Collins Sr., mother Madelyn Cromer Collins, and his sister Ann Collins. He is survived by his loving brother Dr. Andrew Collins and his beloved daughters Jennifer Collins Wiley (Stephen) and Maggie Collins. 

A celebration of life will be held on June 8th at 1:00 PM at Moody’s Funeral Home in Mount Airy,  NC.