[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.

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