Clyde Collins

Clyde Levon Collins, 84, of Mullins, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 4, 2026, at McLeod Hospice House in Florence. He was born in Mullins on March 12, 1942, the son of the late A. Clyde Collins and the late Mary Hannie Sawyer Collins.

Clyde possessed a unique gift for music. He could pick up almost any instrument and bring it to life. From a fiddle to a banjo to a guitar, he left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege to listen. He, along with a group of friends who shared a love of music, formed a group and played at various family venues. He has now joined the heavenly choir.

Beyond music, Clyde will be remembered for his faith, his gentle kindness, and his love for his family. He was married to Bernice, the love of his life for fifty-nine years. Together they were blessed with three wonderful children who he adored. He valued hard work and worked during the day to support his family and attended college at night. He graduated in three years with a degree in mechanical engineering and had a distinguished career with Rockwell Industries and later with ESAB. Clyde also taught drafting at the Marion-Mullins Vocational School. Later in life, he embraced the role of grandfather and great-grandfather and found the most joy being surrounded by his family.

Clyde lived a life marked by an unwavering faith in God and radiated the love of Christ in everything he did. Whether it was as a Deacon of the church, a director of the Sunday School Department, or working the sound system at his former church, he was a devoted servant. He eventually joined his family at Mullins First Baptist Church, where he was a member of the Who-So-Ever-Will Sunday School Class.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Bernice Suggs Collins and a brother, William Hershal Collins.

He is survived by his children, Michael Levon Collins and his wife, Sara, Debbie Collins Page and her husband, Eddie, and Connie Collins Barrett and her husband, Chris; five grandchildren, Megan Page Herring (Cody), George Edwin “Jordi” Page, Colby Scott Barrett (Lauren Kelley), Cameron Walker Barrett (Malayna), and Conner Jackson Barrett; four great-grandchildren, William Finn Herring, George Spencer Herring, Thomas Shep Herring, and Shiloh Wade Barrett; a step-granddaughter, Kimberly Baxley Kennedy (Brad), a niece and several nephews, as well as brothers-in-law, Cecil Suggs (Marilyn), Harold Suggs (Lynn), and Ronnie Suggs.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Meares Funeral Home in Mullins. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday in the chapel of the funeral home with Reverend Robbie Baxley officiating. Interment will be at Devotion Gardens.

If you would like to remember Clyde, the family suggests that donations be made in his memory to Mullins First Baptist Church Christian Life Center, P.O. Box 443, Mullins, South Carolina 29574.

An online guestbook is available at www.mearesfh.com.

Meares Funeral Home has been given the honor of serving the family.