Collins Jr., Clyde Ellett (Tim)

Mr. Clyde Ellett (Tim) Collins Jr., 66, died on Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem, N.C. Mr. Collins was born on July 19, 1945, to the late Mary Jo Galloway Collins and Clyde Ellett Collins Sr. He was born and raised in Christiansburg. Tim was a member of New Salem United Methodist Church in Statesville, N.C., and a retired PGA Professional. After discovering his love for golf at a young age, Tim went on to receive the first ever full golf scholarship awarded to Virginia Tech University (VT) in 1964. His remarkable collegiate career was highlighted by three appearances in the NCAA championships with a best finish of sixth place. He was honored by twice being named an All-American while at VT in 1965 and 1967. After serving in the United States Army from 1969 to 1972, Tim gained his PGA Tour Card in 1972, and began his 21 year career as a tour player and club professional. He was a playing member of the PGA tour for three years, and had several top 10 finishes in tour events. He competed in three U.S. Opens and six PGA Championships. Tim and his family settled down in the Carolinas in 1977, where he began work as a club professional. Tim dominated play as a member of the Carolinas PGA section winning four player of the year titles from 1977 through 1984. Three of those titles were consecutive. He also won five Carolina’s PGA major titles including two North Carolina Opens, two Section Championship Tournaments, and one Carolinas Open Championship. Tim represented the United States four times as a member of the PGA Cup team that played against teams from Great Britain. In 1985, Tim was elected into the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame as the first golfer ever inducted. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Terry Collins. Survivors include two sons, Michael Duncan Collins and Matthew Brent Collins, both of Mocksville, N.C.; his fiance, Judy Patterson, of Statesville, N.C.; and four grandchildren, Mary Cloyce Collins, Samuel Collins, Conner James Collins and Ellett Collins. A Memorial Service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, 2012, at Eaton Funeral Chapel, Mocksville, N.C., with Pastor David Gay officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be considered for Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103, or First Tee of the Triad, P.O. Box 236, Clemmons, NC 27012. Online condolences may be made at www.eatonfuneralservice.com.