Cory L. Collins

Cory L. Collins, affectionately known as Mr. Colors to the thousands of students he taught and Coach to the hundreds of athletes he mentored, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, June 6th, 2025. Cory lived out his faith daily, loving and serving others. He encouraged and inspired those around him.

Born February 24, 1955 in Omaha, Nebraska, to his parents Richard Collins and Jessie Burkholder Collins, Cory was raised in the town of Plattsmouth until 1990 when he moved to Florida. While in his hometown, Cory played baseball as a youth, football, discus and shotput in his high school years and wrestled in college. This paved the way to his long coaching career as a middle school head football coach, high school track coach and head wrestling coach. He encouraged and inspired those he coached and was respected by his athletes and fellow coaches. Cory was passionate about sports and the arts, as he strongly believed that students needed a well-rounded education which included movement, activity and creativity.

Cory dedicated his life to a career in the field of education. He taught art at the middle school level in Nebraska for 12 years and moved to the elementary school level in Florida, teaching art for 34 years at Lecanto Primary School. He retired on May 30, 2024 after a fulfilling 46 years in education. Known for his integrity, depth of knowledge and compassion, Cory left a lasting legacy and unforgettable mark on the lives of countless students, athletes and colleagues. He also brought his passion for coin collecting to the students he taught, mentoring those who showed an interest.

Cory is preceded in death by his parents Richard and Jessie, and his step-dad AC McLean. He is survived by his wife of 30 years Debi Jackson Collins, his children Matthew Gosse, Christina Walker (Jo) and Wally Collins, his sister Kay Collins Brown, niece Pamela Brown, great-niece Katherine Brown-Miller, nephew Eric Brown and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

As we take time to remember Cory for his humility, strong faith, gentle manner and love for others, we find comfort in knowing that Cory is now resting in peace with his Savior Jesus Christ. As he creates new art in Heaven, he will remember the advice he gave to his students, "Just a dot, not a lot". Treasure the memories you have of this upstanding man.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Rock Crusher Church, visitation at 11:00, service at 12:00, with additional time after the service to visit with the family.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Rock Crusher Church in Cory's memory.

Cremation arrangements are under the care and direction of Brown Funeral Home & Crematory in Lecanto, FL.