Collin Edmonds Sr.

Collin Edmonds Sr. was born on May 5, 1946, in Halifax, North Carolina, to the late Robert Foster Edmonds and Cozy Demery Edmonds. A quiet man with a kind heart, Collin lived a life marked by hard work, devotion to family, a love of sports, and a personality those closest to him will never forget.

Collin attended Ralph J. Bunche High School, graduating in 1964. During his high school years, he was an outstanding basketball athlete and a star player for his team. His athletic ability earned him recognition in numerous newspaper articles, and his classmates voted him Most Athletic. His love for sports remained an important part of his life long after his playing days were over.

Collin built an extraordinary work history through his 39 years with Smurfit-Stone, demonstrating the loyalty, dedication, and strong work ethic that were characteristic of the way he lived his life.

On July 20, 2002, Collin married his wife, Bobbie Lane Edmonds. Together, they shared more than 24 years of marriage, building a life filled with family, memories, laughter, challenges, and love.

Those who knew Collin knew that he was truly a man of few words. He didn't have to say much for you to know where he stood. He was a genuinely nice man with a quiet nature - and, as his family will lovingly tell you, he could also be very stubborn. That stubborn streak was simply part of Collin and one of the many qualities that made him uniquely himself.

Sports were one of Collin's greatest passions. NASCAR was a favorite, and Dale Earnhardt held a special place as his favorite driver. He loved football, basketball, and baseball and faithfully followed his favorite teams, including the Washington Redskins, UNC Tar Heels, Los Angeles Dodgers, and San Antonio Spurs. Whether watching a game, following his teams, or remembering his own days as a standout high school athlete, sports brought Collin tremendous enjoyment throughout his life.

Collin was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Foster Edmonds and Cozy Demery Edmonds; his former wife, Hazel Edmonds, with whom he shared many years and raised a family; his brother, Robert Edmonds Jr.; his sister, Annie Mae Gary; his sister-in-law, Betty Mae Edmonds; and his niece, Kimberly Gary.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Bobbie Lane Edmonds; his children, Deborah Russell (Mike), Tracy Edmonds, Brian Edmonds, Adrienne Edmonds, Mekeanna Lane, and Collin Edmonds Jr.; his grandchildren, Drandon Scott, Brandon Scott, Jessica Allen, Daquan Edmonds, Justin Edmonds, Dominque Edmonds, Brianna Gray, Brittany Gray, Shamond Edmonds, Anthony Edmonds, Nazier Edmonds, and Isaiah Lane; his Uncle Arcellious (Boot) and Aunt Ethel Demery; along with his great-grandchildren, friends, former coworkers, and all those fortunate enough to have known him.

Collin's life cannot be measured simply by the years he lived, the years he worked, or the games and teams he loved. His legacy lives in the family he leaves behind, the memories they carry, and the countless ordinary moments that now mean so much.

He will be remembered as a hardworking man, a gifted athlete, a devoted sports fan, a man of few words, a man who could certainly stand his ground, and above all, a really nice man who was deeply loved by his family.

His voice may now be quiet, but his presence, his stories, his memories, and his legacy will remain with those who loved him forever.