Castalia, NC -- Grover Kirk Collins, 66, of Castalia, NC went home to be with the Lord on November 22, 2025. He was born on March 23, 1959, to the late Grover and Dorine Collins.

In addition to his parents, Kirk was preceded in death by his sisters Eva Charlene Collins and Francine Collins Rich.

Kirk was a hardworking, kind and gentle man with a heart as big as the sun. He never knew a stranger and always put others before himself. He thoroughly enjoyed the simple things in life. He loved being outdoors, hunting, fishing, cutting grass and spending time caring for his animals. He loved his goats, ducks and his adopted donkey named Hotdog, who is a neighborhood icon. Kirk loved his family with all his heart and held a special place in his heart for a group of lifelong friends whom he considered brothers.

Kirk was blessed with two other families as well. He had his fire department family and his work family. He was a charter member of the White Level Fire Department where he served honorably for 32 years alongside some of his closest friends. Kirk began his career at Georgia Carolina Woodyard in Spring Hope. He later moved to the woodyard in Youngsville, now owned by Hunt Forestry Resources LLC, where he retired after 47 years of employment.

Kirk is survived by his nephews Chad Evans (Mandy), Timothy Abbott (Mitzi) and Travis Philbeck (Tonja); great niece, Michaela Soucy (Kyle); great nephews, Cody Evans (Katie), Dawson Evans, Brandon Abbott (Briana), Parker Philbeck (Anna), and Conner Philbeck and great-great nephews Grayson Abbott and Travis Philbeck.

The family accepted friends and visitors on Saturday, November 29, 2025 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Kirk's home.

Funeral Arrangements are entrusted to Lancaster Funeral and Cremation Services of Louisburg.

Paid obituary