COLLINS, Judson Grant Age 89 of Nashville, went home to his Lord December 26, 2008 and joined his wife of 66 years, Mrs. Mattie Lou Moore, who preceded him in death on November 2, 2008. He is survived by his loving children, Linda Guthrie, Kay McGivaren, Grant Collins, Jr. and Susan Palladino; grandchildren, Katie Lou Warner, Judson McGivaren, Kerrie Gill, Jenny McGivaren, Erin Centanni, Judson Collins III, Nicholas Palladino III and Rachel Lou Palladino; great-grandchildren, Kaylee and Houston McGivaren, Carter Centanni, Ella Lou and Jack Warner; brother, Howard Earl Collins and faithful sister-in-law, Jean Beckwith; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Our loving thanks go to Dorothy, Bertha, Terri, Robbie, Ruth and Renolva. Mr. Collins volunteered as an aviation cadet in 1952, commissioned second Lt. as twin engine aircraft pilot in 1944. He flew more than fifteen hundred hours, first pilot time in the US Army Air Force. Mr. Collins was employed by WSM in 1940, and worked there for 37 years before retiring as Vice President WSM Inc. in 1977. WSM Radio duties included: news, special events and sports announcing. He announced the Grand Ole Opry programs on WSM, NBC and Mutual Networks. He also wrote announced and produced music programs for WSM and NBC, and was WSM Military Reporter for Army Maneuvers prior to World War II. In 1950, he became Nashville's first TV news anchor and for 20 years, served as principle anchor for all news programs on WSM-TV, Channel 4. He served as political commentator and anchor for WSM-TV election returns telecasts from 1950 to 1970, originated and hosted Nashville's first variety TV program "Noon", which won a radio Television Council Award for ten consecutive years. He was appointed News Director for WSM Radio and Television in 1964. In 1974, he became a member of the Board of Directors for Fidelity Federal of Tennessee (Regions Bank) and served as member of the Executive Committee and the Advertising Committee. Other business involvements include two years as news anchor for Channel 2 and from 1981-1985, was employed as Market Director for a Real Estate Development firm in Orlando, FL. Mr. Collins' community activities included: member of Belle Meade United Methodist Church, member and teacher of the Adult Sunday School Class, Occasional Lay Speaker, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, Aviation Committee, Metropolitan Industrial Development Board (Mayoral Appointment) where he served as chairman from 1975-1978, Heart Association, former Middle Tennessee chairman of the Heart Association, former United Way executive committee member and public relations chairman, former member of the Board of Governors for Aquinas Junior College, Tournament Director Music City Pro-Celebrity Golf Tournament, member and former President of Richland Country Club, VP of Nashville City Club, former board of directors member for the Radio and Television News Directors Association, and member of Sigma Delta Chi. Pallbearers will be Judson Collins, Jr., Judson Collins III, Nicholas Palladino, Jr., Nicholas Palladino III, Patrick McGivare, and Judson McGivaren. Honorary Pallbearers will be Nathan Collins, Ed White and Buddy Moore. Donations may be made to Alive hospice, Belle Meade United Methodist Church, Christ Presbyterian, Foreign Missions or the Nashville Rescue Mission. Funeral services will be conducted 2:30 p.m. Friday, January 2, 2009 in Woodlawn's Dignity Hall, with Rev. Charles McGowan officiating. Visitation with the family will be 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. prior to service time, at WOODLAWN-ROESCH-PATTON FUNERAL HOME, 660 Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN 37204; 615-383-4754.