Bradley H. Collins

Bradley H. Collins, Sr., age 82, of Morehead, Kentucky, passed away April 14, 2026, at U K-St. Claire Medical Center in Morehead following an unexpected health struggle.

He was born in Ashland, Kentucky, on September 12, 1943, to the late Herman and Geneva Collins. Along with his parents, three brothers and three sisters, Brad was preceded in death by his loving wife of 37 years, Linda DeHarte Coyle Collins on July 31, 2020; his son, Bradley Collins, Jr.; and his daughter, Kimberly Collins Staton. 

He is survived by his sons, Shawn (Kimberly) Collins of Morehead; Todd Collins, also of Morehead; a daughter, Kearston Coyle (Joseph) Rudolph of Columbus, Ohio; five grandchildren; Shyanne Collins of Huntington, WV; Danielle Staton of Morehead; and Caden, Maylie and Addison Rudolph, all of Columbus, Ohio.

He is also survived by one brother, Robert Collins of Paintsville, one sister, Jewell Collins Lacy of Morehead; brother-in-law, John (Mary Lou) DeHarte, also of Morehead. Brad leaves behind multiple nieces, nephews, other extended family members and many friends, all whom he loved dearly. 

Raised in Morehead, Brad attended Rowan County High School and graduated in 1961. He was a Union Master Carpenter for 3 years until he began his career as a Union Iron Worker and Foreman. He took great pride in reminiscing about the 18 years he would “walk the high beams” several stories off the ground. Everywhere he went, he could point out very tall buildings, bridges and landmarks he had worked on, without reservation. After he married Linda, he began working as an Insurance Agent for Commonwealth and then Jefferson Pilot, where he was an assistant manager. He would travel all around Morehead and the surrounding area to people’s homes to collect their premiums. He didn’t want anyone to have to “drive it into town” or “have to use a stamp.”

Brad lived a life marked by service and deep commitment to his community. He was elected and sat on the Morehead City Council for two 2-year terms. He then ran and was elected as the Mayor of Morehead for four consecutive 4-year terms. During his tenure as Mayor, he also served as the President of the Kentucky League of Cities, Executive Board Member of KLC, Chairman of the Kentucky Area Development District, Member of the ALC Executive Board, Friendship KET, Kentucky Retirement System, D.O.V.E.S. Domestic Violence Shelter, Rowan County Christmas and many other local community entities. But his greatest love was Habitat for Humanity--he spear-headed the West Morehead project and personally worked on the entire revitalization. 

But of all the achievements in his life and the amazing things he did for his community and all those around him, he always said, “My greatest accomplishment was convincing Miss Linda to marry me.”  Brad lived a life centered around God and his family. A member of Johnson First Church of God, Brad loved as Jesus loved, putting everyone else on this planet before himself. He was such an amazing example to all who knew him of selfless love and a kind heart. In Brad’s eyes, family was his greatest joy. He was an exceptional husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather, aka, “Popaw”. He had such an infectious spirit and truly loved with all his heart! 

 “For to me, to live is Christ [for He is my source of joy] and to die is gain [for I will be with Him in eternity].” – Philippians 1:21 [AMP]

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Pastor Ben Furman and Pastor Ben Hargis officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers:  Chris Stevens, Ryan Stevens, Robbie Lacy, Scooter Lacy, Joe Rudolph, and Caden Rudolph.

Honorary pallbearers: Tim Bailey, Vaughn Fraley, Tony McKinny, Steve Bumgardner, Randy Waltz, Paul Richardson, Duane Wilson, and Johnny Hatfield.

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Johnson First Church of God, 590 Cranston Road, Morehead, KY 40351.

View memorial tribute or sign online guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com  

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