Dr. Bobby L. Collins is the son of the late Asberry and Rosie Collins. His journey through life began February 1, 1943 in Shelby, Mississippi. At an early age, Bobby placed his faith in God.

Bobby graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, Tennessee on June 6, 1961. Some of his early achievements include: President of the National Honor Society and Salutatorian of his graduating class.

In the summer of 1964, Bobby was united in holy matrimony to Arlene E. Yates, and out of their union, their two daughters Kim and Valerie (Joy) were born.

Bobby graduated from Memphis State University (University of Memphis) on August 20, 1965 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He continued his education at Memphis State, and on August 23, 1969, Bobby received his Master of Science in Teaching. After which, he returned to Booker T. Washington to teach and tutor the very subject he majored in at Memphis State.

About three years into his teaching career, and with the encouragement of a close friend, Bobby decided to pursue a career in dentistry. With much courage and determination, in only three years, Bobby received his Doctorate in Dental Surgery on July 25, 1975 from the University of Iowa.

Bobby returned to Memphis, Tennessee and began practicing dentistry under the mentorship of Dr. O.T. Sykes. In 1976, he opened his first practice at the corner of Auburn and Raines Road.

For the next 30 years, Bobby served his patients, the city of Memphis and the state of Tennessee with an indisputable love for dentistry and the persons and families he cared for.

Upon retiring from private practice, Bobby merged his love for dentistry with teaching by accepting an adjunct supervising dentist position, later becoming a professor, in the Dental Hygiene Department of the University of Tennessee. There he was able to share his knowledge and years of experience with both the students and faculty. Bobby was once again given the opportunity to serve his community, and he was happy.

Bobby was always smiling. He was a sociable and charismatic person, who cherished the relationships he had with friends and family. Throughout his, Bobby was affiliated with several notable organizations: Memphis Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated, The Delta Boule’ of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity, Life Member of the NAACP, The American Red Cross-Board of Directors, the National Dental Association, The Mississippi Dental Society, The Memphis and Shelby County Dental Society. In 1993, Bobby became the first African American president of the Tennessee Dental Board and was featured in a June 7, 1993 Jet Magazine article. Between 1995 - 1996, Bobby was Honored Member of the U.S. and International Registry of the “Who’s Who of Professional Dentistry. In 2001, he was listed as one of “top dentist” in America by the Consumer Research Counsel. And in 2017, he was chosen to be an Emeritus member of the Academy of General Dentistry.

Bobby leaves to cherish his life of memories, his two daughters, Kim and Valerie (Joy) Collins of Nashville, Tennessee; two grandchildren, Constance Bayne-Johnson and Taylor Presley of Nashville, Tennessee; two great grandchildren, Cameron and Leah Johnson of Nashville, Tennessee; a grandson-in-law Jeff Johnson of Nashville, Tennessee; one brother, Walter Collins (Wanda) of St. Louis, Missouri; one sister, Margaret R. Singleton of Chesapeake, Virginia; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and colleagues.

A public viewing is scheduled for 4pm until 6pm Friday May 12, 2023 at R. S. Lewis and Sons Funeral Home, 3651 Austin Peay Hwy. Service of remembrance will 11am Saturday May 13, 2023 at Metropolitan Baptist Church 767 Walker Ave. Entombment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery 5668 Poplar Ave.