Submitted by Joan L. Collins
Darrell McNary Collins, 69, a native of Manteo, NC, passed to the Great Beyond on Christmas Eve with his wife Tonya by his side. He graduated from Elizabeth City State University with a B.S. in Geology/Minor in History. As a college student, the story of the Wright Brothers captivated Darrell and it became his life’s passion. He would spend the next 40 years as a Historian at the Wright Brothers National Memorial, and for 5 years into retirement, sharing the story of the “Miracle at Kitty Hawk” around the world. He was among the top 3 Wright Brothers historians in the world. He was an historian of all things Outer Banks including his family legacy as part of the Freedmen’s Colony and the African American history on Roanoke Island. He continued his mother Dell Collins’ legacy of service when he was appointed to her Town of Manteo Commissioner seat upon her death in 2006 and continued that service for 18 years. In 2023 the Town of Manteo honored him with a proclamation officially declaring December 17th as the “Honorable Darrell Collins Day” to coincide with the Anniversary of Flight.
Darrell previously served on the Town’s Planning Board and was a past President of Dare Home Health and Hospice End of Life Coalition. He was also the founder and current President of the Pea Island Preservation Society, Inc., and was instrumental in telling the story of Keeper Richard Etheridge and the Pea Island Lifesavers to all Dare County fourth graders, marking the first time African American history was taught in schools through a dynamic live and creative program. His love of teaching began with his time at the Wright Brothers National Memorial and extended to the basketball court where he coached Dare Parks and Rec 10-12 year old boys for over 25 years. He also played in the adult league for over 40 years. Darrell was an author and the recipient of numerous aviation awards and accolades. In 2003 during the Centennial of Flight, Darrell gave a presentation on the floor of the NC Senate, at the invitation of Senator Mark Basnight. He was personally presented with “The Order of the Long Leaf Pine” from then Governor Mike Easley, the North Carolina’s governors highest honor for persons who have made significant contributions to the state and their communities through their exemplary service and exceptional accomplishments.
He leaves to cherish his life and memories his wife Tonya, sons Darius Collins (Tabitha) of Homestead, FL and Frank Collins (Kinza) of Manteo, grandson Barkley Collins of Manteo, sister Yolanda Collins-Wilson (Mike) of Manteo, a special sister-in-law Teresa Thompson of Camden, a special cousin Joan Collins of Skyco and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins that span the country. He was preceded in death by his father Frank McNary Collins and mother Dellerva E. Collins. Darrell was a man of deep humility, who treated everyone he met with love and kindness without exception.
Indeed, Darrell Collins was a national treasure and will be missed beyond measure. He will ALWAYS be an Outer Banks’ icon. A special ceremony honoring Darrell will take place at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kill Devil Hills, followed by his Homegoing Celebration at First Assembly of God Church in Manteo from 1:00pm-3:00pm with a graveside service at Haven Creek Cemetery and repast at Basnight’s Lone Cedar Restaurant in Nags Head.
