Dr. Bobby Lee Collins Obituary in Memphis at R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home

Obituary For Dr. Bobby Lee Collins

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.

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Gregory Brown Jr. sent Heavenly & Harmony for Dr. Bobby Lee Collins - May 23, 2023

From our family to yours, we are continuing to lift you all in prayer. We pray that God continues to bless you, strengthen you, and love on you even more. -Gregory Brown and family

Send flowers for Dr. Bobby Lee Collins

TJ Martin Sr sent The Loving Light Dishgarden for Dr. Bobby Lee Collins - May 13, 2023

Val and Kim our deepest condolences from your play bros Tj, Jarion, Johney, and Chris

Michael Dawson sent Radiant Foliage Planter for Dr. Bobby Lee Collins - May 12, 2023

Our deepest sympathy for your loss
Mike and Geraldine Dawson

Heavenly Grace Spray was sent for Dr. Bobby Lee Collins - May 12, 2023

Carl Turner sent Serene Retreat for Dr. Bobby Lee Collins - May 11, 2023

In loving memory of a great friend and man who will never be forgotten !

DR KB TURNER sent Red and White Floor Basket for Dr. Bobby Lee Collins - May 11, 2023

To the family of Dr. Bobby L. Collins,
Deepest and heartfelt condolences during this time of bereavement. May the Lord give you comfort and peace.
The loving family & siblings of Mary Turner Ewing

Sweet Tranquility Basket was sent for Dr. Bobby Lee Collins - May 11, 2023

Living Spirit Dishgarden was sent for Dr. Bobby Lee Collins - May 11, 2023

Sirena Tanner sent Sacred Garden Spray for Dr. Bobby Lee Collins - May 10, 2023

Our deepest heartfelt condolences The Tanner Family

Charles E. Carpenter, Sr. sent The Peace Lily for Dr. Bobby Lee Collins - May 10, 2023

Bobby, you are a good man and a good friend. May God bless your soul! Your smile and spirit will be missed! Charles + Margaret Carpenter

This is so very late, but after crossing the path of a long-ago friend I just learned of Dr. Collins' passing. Since I missed the homegoing, I would be remiss if I didn't take this opportunity to honor Dr. Collins' life with a few words of gratitude. I do not come from a privileged background. My first visit to the dentist was at the age of 14. Dr. Collins introduced me to the importance of oral hygiene and taking care of my teeth. He was my dentist for 25 years. He was the only dentist I trusted to perform my dental work. He was professional, very skilled, caring, and gentle when he worked on you. Even today dentists comment on the quality of my dental work which Dr. Collins performed over 40 years ago. They are in awe of how long the dental work has lasted. I am forever grateful to Dr. Collins for the care he provided to me. I wish I could thank him today for the positive impact he made on me, our community, and all who knew him.

DJ

As a sister of Dr. Roy Edward Cheatham, I remember Bobby Lee Collins who was one of my brother's friends. He was kind and gentlemanly. I was a Debutante for Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity in Memphis in 1963. This fraternity encouraged me to go as far as possible in life. As a result, I completed my doctorate degree and became a published author. Additionally, I retired as an assistant principal in the Atlanta Public School System.

Bobby, thank you for the many years of friendship and support. You joining the UTHSC DH faculty in 2008 was a blessing beyond measure for students, patients and staff. Thank you for sharing your life and wisdom with me during our numerous lunches at the Cupboard. You will remain forever in my heart. I love you. Cassandra Holder Christiansen

Dr Collins you were an inspiration to so many helping us to navigate our way thru Dental Hygiene school so that we could pursue our career. I can still remember your smile like it was yesterday and it's been 12yrs since my class graduated. You always wore a smile and had words of encouragement. You made a different in the lives of many. You will be missed very much. Sending my deepest condolences to the family.
Ashley Simmons

To the family of Dr. Bobby Lee Collins, we send condolences to you on behalf of the Booker T. Washington Class of 65' and our heartfelt sympathy to our classmate and friend, Walter Collins.
Sincerely, Dorothy Y. Morgan B.T.W, Class of 65'

Respectfully, Dr. James Cohen

God speed, Bobby. You will be missed by all that knew you in dentistry and academics. Your warm heart and caring personality were a true guide for all of us. Your memory will always be an example to strive for.

Thank you for being one of the best mentors in life. You will forever be remembered and I will forever hold a special place in my heart for you. Love you 😘 Juawice Taylor-McClora.

Juawice McClora

Deepest Condolences to the Collins family. Dr. Jesse L Westbrook, dental staff and family

Our deepest condolences to the family for the tremendous loss of Dr. Bobby Lee Collins. May he Rest In Peace. The Dental family is grateful for the service he provided and proud to call him one of ours.

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

R.S. Lewis & Sons Funeral Home | Memphis, TN