HONORING THE LIFE AND PUBLIC SERVICE OF HARRY FLEISHER COLLINS, JR.

HONORING THE LIFE AND PUBLIC SERVICE OF HARRY FLEISHER COLLINS, JR.

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 42 (Thursday, March 5, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 42 (Thursday, March 5, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E192] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND PUBLIC SERVICE OF HARRY FLEISHER COLLINS, JR. ______ HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH of virginia in the house of representatives Thursday, March 5, 2026 Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and public service of Harry Fleisher Collins, Jr., who passed away on March 1, 2026, at the age of 74. Mr. Collins is well remembered for his service to the community of Christiansburg, Virginia. He served on the Christiansburg Town Council for four years. His leadership is credited for the development of Christiansburg's Huckleberry Park. Following his passing, the Town of Christiansburg lowered its flags to half-staff to honor Collins' service. The local Republican Party in Montgomery County believed in Mr. Collins' leadership. Local Republican Party officials, who were impressed by Mr. Collins' strong record in public office and his commitment to electing Republican candidates for local offices, selected Mr. Collins to be Chairman of the Montgomery County Republican Party. As the survivor of a double-lung transplant, Mr. Collins devoted significant time to the Lung Transplant Foundation. He served as the CEO, worked tirelessly to support the Foundation's initiatives and advocated for those needing help. Mr. Collins is survived by his loving wife, Sherri; his sister, Valerie Myers and her husband Steve Myers; his daughter, Kristin Sells and her husband Aaron Sells; his sons, Zach Collins and wife Miranda Collins, Brock Collins and wife Becky Collins, and Ryan Collins and wife Brittney Cockram; and his stepsons, Austin Huff and wife Sydney Huff, and Colin Huff. He was a proud grandfather to 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild, all of whom were the light of his life. I enjoyed working with Mr. Collins and considered him a friend. I join the Christiansburg, Virginia community in mourning the loss of a public servant, community advocate and respected man. Mr. Collins' community work should inspire other local officials in Montgomery County and the greater New River Valley. ____________________