It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Dr. Harry Collins on November 11, 2018. Collins was a past Chair of ASTA and was well respected across the entire seed industry.

Collins received his B.S. degree in Agronomy from Rutgers University, Masters in Agronomy and Plant Breeding from the University of Arizona, and his Ph.D. in Genetics and Plant Breeding from North Carolina State University.

In addition to his dedicated career in plant breeding and genetics with Delta and Pine Land Company, Collins was involved in his adopted community of Scott and the state of Mississippi and as a leader in a number of national and international associations. He served on the Republican Executive Board for many years; he was President of the National Council of Commercial Plant Breeders from 1986-1987, as well as serving on its Board of Directors from 1981-1983; and he was the Chairman of ASTA from 2006-2007.

Collins is survived by his wife of 42 years, Dottie Collins, his son Mosby Blanks and wife, Angela, his daughter Meghan Stewart and husband, Daniel and granddaughters, Elizabeth and Faith Stewart.

View the full obituary and funeral services here.