Ted Lamar Collins, Sr of Cope, SC passed away peacefully, on January 19th, 2026 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 8, 1943, in Hilda, South Carolina.

Ted is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Phyllis Garrick Collins. He was a loving father to four children: Trina Collins of Cameron; Ted Lamar Collins, Jr. of Cope; Jennifer (Julian) Bair of Orangeburg; and Kevin (Jennifer) Collins of Cameron.

He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Kandice (Patrick) Nettles, Jordan (Cap) Thackston, Cory Collins (Georgiaanne), Collin Bair, Kennerly Ann Bair, Savannah (Blake Austin) Collins, and Presley Collins. He was also blessed with five great-grandchildren: Hayes, Hudson, and Collins Nettles, and LP and Luke Thackston.

Ted is also survived by many very special nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Pallbearers will include Tony Dannelly, Bert Sanford, Al Drawdy, Tate Jameson, Donald Thomas and David Sturkie.

Honorary pallbearers will be his grandsons and great-grandsons.

Ted was preceded in death by his sister, Jeanette Phillips, his brother, Willie Howell Collins and his twin brothers, Elmer and Emory Collins.

He is survived by his siblings, Achille Collins, Jr. and Becky C. Bozard, both of Barnwell.

Ted grew up in Hilda, South Carolina, and graduated from Blackville-Hilda High School. He retired from Albemarle corporation after 35 years of employment. A passionate sports fan, Ted was a beloved coach who touched the lives of countless athletes, especially through his dedication as a baseball and softball coach. He will be, fondly, remembered to so many as “Coach Ted”.

He was a longtime member of Two Mile Swamp Baptist Church, where he played an active role for many years as a deacon and recreation director. One of his most lasting contributions to the church was his active role in establishing the church softball league and helping build the Two Mile softball field, which continues to serve the community today. Ted will be remembered for his love of family, his commitment to his community, and the many lives he impacted. He will be missed immensely by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held at Thompson Funeral Home on Thursday, January 22, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 23, at 11:00 a.m. at Two Mile Baptist Church, with burial to follow in the church cemetery.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Grove Park Hospice Care for their compassionate care and support.

Any memorials can be made to Two Mile Swamp Baptist Church, Ted Collins softball memorial at 1066 Bonnette Rd Cope SC 29038.