Edward Randolph Collins of Murrieta, California passed away peacefully on February 18, 2025, after living a long life of purpose and dedication. Ed, known by his family as “Sonny” or “Brown,” was born May 19, 1934 and was a native of Rockingham, North Carolina. His passion, personality, interests, and intellect led to a rich and meaningful life. He graduated from Rockingham High School, where among other things, he was a proud drum major for the marching band. While he spent much of life elsewhere, he cherished his North Carolina roots.
After graduation, he attended Appalachian State University and later joined the US Air Force, beginning a 70-year love of aviation. In the USAF, he was a pilot, flying a variety of aircraft including the B-52. After active duty in the Air Force, he was in the USAF Reserves and Indiana Air National Guard, flying the F-84, F-86, and F-100, and served in operations and commissioning roles, retiring at the rank of Lt. Colonel. In 1965, he joined American Airlines as a pilot, flying a variety of aircraft over a nearly 30-year career, including the 707, 727, 757, 767, and MD-80 among others. In his role as an instructor pilot and check airman at American, he advanced the careers of many other pilots.
While working at American, Ed earned a law degree (Juris Doctor) from Western State University, and practiced law for many years with a focus on aviation and family/estate law, and was affiliated with several firms including as a partner at Harris and Collins. Concurrently, he became a real estate broker and an entrepreneur, and together with his wife Sharon, owned a boutique for several years. His interests in aviation, engineering, law, and real estate live on in the careers of his children.
His passion to help others and a wide variety of interests led to a quite active life after retirement from American Airlines, including continuing to work part time at Enterprise through 2024. He was particularly enthusiastic and proud of his work with the Shriners and their mission to help children, serving as Potentate of the Al Bahr Shriners of San Diego and on boards at Southern California Shriners children’s hospitals.
He is survived by his wife, Sharon L. Collins of the home; sons Edward R. Collins, Jr. (Dianne) of Clemson SC and Sylva NC, David M. Collins (Hope) of Roscoe IL, and Michael K. Collins of Murrieta CA; daughter Amy E. Collins (Richard) of Tulsa OK; grandchildren Katie Fronek, Wren Collins, Sam Collins, and Claire Montgomery (David); great grandchildren Tommy Johnson and Madeline Montgomery; brother John H. Stanley (Rose) of Laurinburg NC; sister Nancy S. Harris (Mike) of Cypress TX; and sister-in-law Mary Alice Stanley. He was preceded in death by his mother Mabel Hasty Stanley; father Justin Ralph Collins; brother Thomas V. Stanley, Jr.; and grandmother “Mama Hasty.”
Interment will be at the Riverside National Cemetery on April 21st, 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Al Bahr Shriners Children’s Hospital Fund (https://albahrshrine.org/donate/) or a charity of your choice. Ed will be remembered for his easy-going nature, his compassion and love for others, his mastery of the grill, and his positive outlook throughout his life.
