Larry went home to be with the Lord on October 4th, 2025. He was born in Norton, Virginia on October 12, 1940, to James and Juanita Collins. He graduated from John I Burton High School in Norton and then attended and graduated from Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana.
Larry was first employed in Akron, Ohio, at the McKinley Avenue Church of God as an Associate Pastor in 1963. It was in Akron that he met and married the love of his life, Beverly, on June 12, 1965.
Larry additionally pastored in Toledo, Ohio at the North Cove Church of God (1970-72), First Church of God Norton, Vrrginia (72-75), First Church of God of Ontario, Ohio (75-85), First Church of God in West Palm Beach, Florida (85-96) and First Church of God of Ontario, Ohio (96-06).
Larry served as Mayor of Ontario, Ohio, from 2010 to 2014 and President of City Council from 2014 to 2018.
Larry enjoyed being around his Family and watching his Grandchildren participate in Sporting activities. Watching the Indians and Buckeyes and having Family and Friends over to the house and connecting with people.
Larry is survived by his two sons, Michael (Tracy) of West Palm Beach, FL, grandchildren Jacob (MaKayla) Collins of West Palm Beach, Florida, Ally (Gus) Solis of Oak Grove, KY and Mark (Leanne) of Mansfield, Ohio, grandchildren Madeline Collins and Mara (Nick) Barnes of Delaware, Ohio, great grandchildren Evelyn and Merrick Barnes.
His Brother Rodney (Susan) Collins of Ontario, Ohio, and their children Sally (John) Mellinger of Tonawanda, NY, Matthew (Elaine) Collins of New Castle, WA, and Jeremy (Rebekah) Collins of Hendersonville, TN, and eight grandchildren. Brother-in-Law, William (Patty) Boggs of Akron, Ohio. Several other nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Larry was preceded in death by his Parents and his wife, Beverly.
Dad has said during his time of leading congregations in which he was privileged to Serve, that his greatest reward, aside from seeing people find Jesus, was that he loved walking with the people and getting to know them in a way that lasts a lifetime.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday November 1, 2025 at the Avenue Church, 1756 Park Avenue West in Ontario. Family and friends are welcome to visit from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM with the service at 3:00 PM and a meal following.