Joseph Lamar Collins Sr., age 85, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday morning, August 9, 2026. Born on December 24, 1940, in Panama City, Florida, Lamar was a proud Florida native who lived a life rooted in family, service, hard work, and the simple pleasures he loved.

Lamar proudly served his country as a tank commander in the Army Reserve. He later continued serving his community through his work as a service technician at BellSouth.

An avid fisherman and lifelong farmer, Lamar found joy in the outdoors and in the things that made life meaningful to him. He loved casting a line into Howard’s Creek, cheering on the Florida Gators, and, most of all, gathering with friends and family. He was especially proud of his garden and all the produce and fruit it produced.

Getting to the hunting camp near Byrd Drive on the Apalachicola River, on Cutoff Island, and further down to camp on Piney Reach was paradise for Lamar. These places, along with the memories made there, held a special place in his heart.

Lamar’s love for his family was boundless. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand, share a story, or offer his wisdom. His larger-than-life presence, laughter, generosity, and love will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his father, J.D. Collins; his mother, Maudie Lee Collins Pitts; and his sisters, Lou Hazel Burroughs and Patricia Holcomb.

Lamar is survived by his son, Joseph Lamar Collins Jr., and his wife, Lisa Suzanne Collins; his daughter, Jessica Ramsey, and her husband, Shawn Ramsey; his brother, Larry Collins and his wife Ruth Ann and his grandchildren, Kaitlyn Elizabeth Rachael Collins, Nathanael Christopher Jorden Collins, Mykala Grace Anne Collins, and Noah Samuel Joseph Collins; along with extended family and friends who will continue to cherish his memory.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Wilson Funeral Home in Panama City, Florida. The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. prior to the service.

Lamar will be forever remembered for the love he gave, the stories he shared, the lives he touched, and the memories he created with those he loved most.