Wesley Enoch Collins

Wesley Enoch Collins died July 20, 2020. He was 96 years old. Born on a Stokes County tobacco farm, he rose to the highest ranks of the furniture industry, deeply grateful to his Lord, family and friends who traveled with him along the way. “I’ve been blessed,” he said, remembering that when he left for college, his mother took his only pair of shoes and painted them black so he would be properly dressed. “We were poor, but I didn’t feel poor,” he said. Wes graduated from Guilford College in 1948 and later completed an advanced management training program at the University of North Carolina. Wes joined the United States Marine Corps in World War II and trained as a fighter pilot. Several years later, he was recalled during the Korean conflict, flying 24 combat missions, and achieving the rank of captain. He remained connected thereafter in the reserves. Employed by Heritage Furniture as a trainee, Wes rotated through every phase of the manufacturing process, culminating with a focus on upholstery. That caught the eye of John Christian Bernhardt who invited Wes to join Bernhardt Industries and initiate a “Flair” upholstery division. Shortly thereafter, he became Bernhardt’s President. During his furniture career, he headed Bernhardt, Broyhill and Universal, three giants in the furniture world. Recognized by his industry peers, Wes served as president and board chairman of the American Furniture Manufacturers Association. Having learned from others, he relished the opportunity to mentor those who followed him. During his retirement years, Wes thrived vicariously on their success. Wes was a people person, fully invested in his community. He was an elder at Lenoir Presbyterian Church, a board member at Caldwell Memorial Hospital for whom he led a successful $2 ½ million fund campaign. He was a Guardian Ad Litem volunteer, Boy Scout leader, Chairman of United Way, a board member of Caldwell House, an avid golfer at Cedar Rock Country Club, and an energetic athlete who could still do 50 pushups at age 90. Wes is predeceased by two brothers, John Carol and Thomas Preston, and is survived by his youngest brother, James Albert. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Joy Dearmin for 66 years until her death in 2011. They birthed three children, Samuel, Wesley Jr., and Elizabeth Jane, who died at 44 years of age. They had six grandchildren: Jeremy Collins, Patrick Templeton, Elizabeth Jane Templeton, Wesley Templeton, William Collins, and Cassie Collins, and six great grandchildren, Ruth Templeton, Joshua Templeton, Daisy Joy Templeton, Jacob Collins, Cooper Collins, and Anna Grace Collins. In 2015, Wes’ life was enriched by his marriage to Gail Clark, formerly of Pinehurst, NC, who with her late husband Dr. Ted Clark had enjoyed a close Collins/Clark friendship for many years. Gail’s daughter is Dorie Clark, a prominent author, lecturer and public policy consultant in New York City. Wes Collins loved life, eager to explore adventure. By the calculus of his faith, a new one has just begun. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Caldwell House, a ministry with persons struggling with addictions, at 951 Kenham Place SW, Lenoir, NC 28645. Out of a concern for the health of Wes’ friends and associates, the worship service celebrating his faith and life will be live streamed only. Friends may participate in the service online at 1:00, July 23, by accessing the following link: https://vimeo.com/440188931 and may be viewed later at https://lenoirpres.org/worship/ Online condolences may be left at www.evansfuneralservice.com. Evans Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the family.