Patrick Sarsfield "Pat" Collins

1936 - 2025

Patrick (Pat) Sarsfield Collins, age 89, passed away on July 21, 2025. He was born on June 25, 1936, in Memphis, Tennessee to Margarite Collins Ellis and Frank Ellis. His mother passed away when he was 8 years old and went to live with his beloved Aunt, Lucille Dorothy Collins.

He attended Sacred Heart Grade School, Christian Brothers High School and graduated from Christian Brothers College in Memphis. Upon graduation he was a Clerk for the city of Memphis. As a young intern and entrepreneur, he opened Pat Collins Auto Body and Glass Shop at 848 Scott Street. During this time, he started another business called Bill Taylor and Pat Collins Racing Enterprises. He was an avid Hot Rodder who won many trophies and money while racing all over the United States. In 1969 he placed 1st place in the Super Stock Nationals. He opened up racetracks in Memphis and in Carlisle, Arkansas called Drag-A-Way. He later bought the Lakeland Racetrack.

On November 21, 2024, the Rodders of Memphis honored Pat as their honoree of the year at their Annual Fundraiser at the Agricenter.

Pat started Pat Collins Auto Glass at 2405 Summer Avenue in 1976 and retired in 1994. He was a proud Catholic Irishman whose family played a part in the early Memphis history. In the early 1890's his uncle, Sarsfield, opened JNOJ Collins, Embalmers and later opened J.J. Collins Funeral Home in 1930 and sold it in 1948.

Pats hobbies included drag racing cars for 15 years, riding Harley Davidson motorcycles and refurbishing antique cars. Some of his favorites being a 1946 Lincoln, 1951 Lincoln and 1936 Ford Coupe.

Pat was a dedicated member of numerous Masonic Organizations including Unity Masonic Lodge #95, Scottish Rite 32 Degree and Al Chymia Shriners Hospital. He was also a member of Memphis Rodders, Al Chymia Golf Club, Al Chymia Classic Cars, Order of QUETZAL COATL #96, Royal Order of Jesters Court 130 and a member of the Air National Guard.

Pat was a devoted Christian who attended St. Peter's, St. Mary's and Holy Spirit Catholic Churches.

He loved to travel and even visited Ireland several times. Pat was funny, overly generous and fiercely loyal.


Visitation will be on Sunday, July 27, from 3:00-5:00 PM at Canale Funeral Directors.
2700 Union Avenue Extended, Memphis, Tennessee 38112.

Masonic Service to follow visitation at 5:00 PM

Funeral Mass will be on Monday, July 28 at 10:00 AM at St. Peter Catholic Church. 190 Adams Street, Memphis, Tennessee 38103. Burial to follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 1661 Elvis Presley Blvd.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in care of Al Chymia Shriners Hospital, 8220 Highway 64, Lakeland, Tennessee 38060.