Obituary of Eugene Collins Jr.

Collins, Eugene “Gene” Jr., 77 of Palmetto, former longtime St. Petersburg resident, passed away February 13, 2021, at St. Anthony’s Hospital. Born October 3, 1943 in Columbia, SC, he graduated from Dreher High School and attended the University of South Carolina. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene Sr. and Nellie Collins, and his brother, Jerry Collins. Gene is survived by his wife of 33 years, Barbara Riley Collins; his children, Alyson Collins, Kim Bradford, Gene Collins III (Kelly) of St. Petersburg, and Jennifer Collins (Fiancé Michael Walker) of Wilmington, NC; grandchildren Kelly Bradford Simmons (Krystn), Camden Collins, Finn Collins, Logan Wright; brother, Larry Collins of Charleston, SC; and many nieces, nephews and cousins in South Carolina.

Gene was the President/Owner of Euthenics, Inc. (a Planning and Design firm) in St. Petersburg, and other locations, for 44 years. He loved his work, clients and employees. Everyone became a part of his extended family. Gene was in the Air Force ROTC and proudly served in the Army National Guard.

Gene was a University of South Carolina cheerleader, a brother of the Sigma Nu Fraternity, and a bull rider. He was also a member of the Sunrise Rotary, the St. Petersburg Suncoasters, the infamous Vinoy Club 5-day-a-week Club, and a longtime member of the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. Gene loved boating, fishing, sunrise photography, traveling, and was a fan of the USC Gamecocks, Tampa Bay Lightning, Bucs and Rays.

Gene was a true southern gentleman; kind, generous, funny, story-telling man, and appreciated by family and friends. His kind-hearted spirit and warm smile will be missed. A memorial service will be held at Anderson McQueen on March 6th starting at 11:00 a.m. for family and friends.