Rick Collins of Wylie, Texas passed away December 19, 2020 at the age of 71. He was born September 6, 1949 in Dallas, Texas. Rick graduated from Mesquite High School in 1968. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1968 serving in the Vietnam War where he proudly served with distinction in the 25th Infantry Division “Wolfhounds” where he received numerous medals including two Purple Hearts, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge and Sharpshooter Medal (Rifle M-14). Rick was honorably discharged in 1970 and was officially retired from the US Army. He married Linda Jean Meadows on August 21, 1972 in Durant, Oklahoma. Rick lived life to the fullest and rode a Harley Davidson trike for many years with his close friends and family. He enjoyed traveling and visiting the mountains of Colorado and New Mexico, playing cards, dominos and poker with his cousins and friends. Rick also loved football; he was an avid fan of The Allen Eagles and Lovejoy Leopards and also watching his grandchildren participate in all their athletic activities. He was also known as “Coach Collins” through decades of coaching football and baseball with his investment in the youth of Garland and Allen, Texas. Rick was the most loyal friend and family man, and there was not a thing he would not do to help someone in need. His perseverance, positive attitude and outlook on life were contagious and inspiring to all those who knew him. Rick was of Christian faith, loved the Lord and is now resting in peace in Heaven.
Rick is survived by his wife, Linda Collins of Wylie, Texas; son, Chad Collins and wife, Kelly of Lucas, Texas; daughter, Caryn Moore and husband, Matt of Wylie, Texas; grandchildren, Carson Collins, Chief Collins, Caroline Collins and Lucas Moore; sisters, Brenda Hamilton of Garland, Texas and Tammy Smith of Wylie, Texas; sister-in-law, Jackie Johnson of Flower Mound, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Robert and Ruth Shubert; brother, Rocky Shubert; first wife, Linda Mayhall Collins and son, Ricky Lynn.
A “come and go” visitation will be held on Saturday, January 2, 2021, from 6: by 00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home. Only a limited number of guests will be allowed to enter the funeral home facility at any one time to maintain social distancing.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, January 3, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Chase Oaks Church - Sloan Creek Campus, 611 East Stacy Road, Fairview, Texas 75069.
Following the celebration of life, a procession will make its way to Fitzhugh Cemetery, Lucas, Texas, for a committal service where all are invited to attend.
Following the committal service, a reception will be held at Chase Oaks Church - Sloan Creek Campus, 611 East Stacy Road, Fairview, Texas 75069.
Rick respected and admired the work the Gary Sinise Foundation has done for US Veterans, and if led, memorial contributions can be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation or charity of your choice.