We are indebted to Marcus Collins

Marcus Eugene Collins Sr. was born in Albany on Jan. 25, 1927, and died in Camilla on Feb. 14, 2014. He and his wife, Elizabeth Griffin Collins, had six children, 13 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

A few of you readers knew and remember Marcus, some of you have heard of him, but most of you don’t remember or never heard of Marcus Collins.

Still, most all of us who live in this area are indebted to Marcus Collins. Let me tell you why I think you are indebted, but, first, let me relate my relationship with Marcus Collins and why I know I am in his debt.

When I was first elected to the legislature and took my seat in January 1973, one of the first members I got to know well was Marcus Collins from Mitchell County.

I remember the first time I shook hands with Rep. Collins. I felt like I had grabbed a big t-bone steak when I took his hand. Actually, he took my hand and enveloped it, completely, up to my wrist. I wonder what went through his mind when he ‘got-hold-of’ my little hand.

Marcus’ arms were bigger than my legs, literally, and he must have weighed 300 pounds, or more. But, he was a big man in ways more than just physically. Let me elaborate.

I had not been in the legislature long before Marcus and his entire family became friends of our family. And, the fact that Marcus was extremely close to Tom Murphy (within less than a year Mr. Murphy was Speaker of the House) and Joe Frank Harris (later to be Governor of Georgia) didn’t hurt my “in-House” politics in the least.

Not only was Marcus big physically, but also politically. He served in the House 18 years, including a long tenure as Chair of the powerful “tax-writing” Ways and Means Committee, and he also served, later, for eight years as Georgia’s Revenue Commissioner. He did everything in a big way.

Marcus Collins was a big farmer. I used to ask him, “Marcus, how many acres do you farm?” His answer was either, 1) “`Bout half enough to make a living” or, 2) “Somewhere between 1,000 and 100,000 acres.” I knew it was closer to 1,000 than 100,000 acres, but I also knew it wasn’t all that close to 1,000 acres. I never did find out how much he was farming, but I would bet my little farm that it was several thousand acres.

I ate breakfast in Marcus’ room, 292, at the Sheraton Hotel for many years when the legislature was in session – The 292 Club. From 6 to about 7:45 a.m., a crowd of 20 to 30 drifted in and out of Marcus Collins’ room to drink coffee, eat cheese toast (he cut the cheese off of a block that when he started must have weighted 20 pounds) or cereal, tell tall tales and laugh!

Marcus Collins started my legislative days off right – often the highlight of my day – and just like `Brer Rabbit gave me a Laffin’ Place. And, being at the 292 Club with Marcus, Speaker Murphy and the others that came also helped my politics.

Marcus loved to fish. Speaker Murphy did, too. They came to Perry every year, for years after the legislative session ended and caught lots of fish. I know they enjoyed these outings. They paid us back with support for things I wanted for the people I represented from this area.

Let me focus on the Ag Center. Many of you know something of the role I played in the Ag Center coming to Perry and the success it has been. You also probably know of Tom Murphy’s help and that of Rep. Henry Reaves and several Georgia Governors. But let me tell you about Marcus Collins and the help he gave.

Marcus was a rural man. He fought for funds for those of us on or below the gnat line. He was for rural youth, and he wanted them to have a place to showcase their calves and hogs and a first class fair for them to attend.

Marcus encouraged Tom Murphy, whose help was essential if the Ag Center was to be a reality. Marcus sought and got the support of Gov. Joe Frank Harris. Marcus was close to Hugh Gillis. We needed Sen. Gillis’ help and got it.

If Marcus was for it, and he was, he brought most of the other legislative leaders with him. Especially did he get the support of the rural legislators who, in many instances, were legislative leaders.

As I wrote, Marcus was a champion for rural Georgia and rural folks. Maybe this little story will further explain it. Marcus was constantly telling his very close friend, Joe Frank Harris, who at that time was Chair of the Appropriations Committee, that “We never get any money below the gnat line.” One day, uncharacteristically, Joe Frank, in an exasperated voice, replied, “Exactly where is the gnat line?” to which Marcus with his deep southern drawl responded: “It’s that line below which we never get any money!”

If you live in our part of Georgia, Marcus Collins has helped you. You are better off, economically, because Marcus Collins successfully fought for things for this part of Georgia. You owe him a debt of gratitude. I do, too.

Last Monday, Janice and I drove to Cotton, Ga., and spoke with Elizabeth Collins and the family before going on to the funeral in Pelham. As I left the large, classic, southern farmhouse that was the Collins’ home, I said to Elizabeth: “We have lost a giant of a man.” And, we have. I am indebted to Marcus Collins. You are, too.

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