Dennis R. Collins

SUNRISE BEACH, Texas - Dennis Ray (Denny) Collins, 59, Sunrise Beach, died Thursday, Aug. 30, 2007, at his hill country home on Lake LBJ, Texas.
Dennis was born Feb. 13, 1948, in Cameron, Mo. He attended grades Kindergarten through 12th in the Cameron R-1 Schools. He also attended Central Missouri State University, graduating in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aviation Technology, and in 1983 graduated from Georgia College with a Masters Degree in Administration.
He entered the Army in November 1969 and was discharged in 1972, at which time he entered the United States Air Force, where he served from 1972 to 1992, retiring as a Major and Senior Pilot.
While he was a member of several Wings and Squadrons, he was most proud to call himself a "Fleagle" and member of the 773rd Tactical Airlift Squadron, 463rd Tactical Airlift Wing.  He served in both the United States and overseas, flying the C-130E/H Hercules Airlift Transport as well as the T41-A; T-37 and T-38.  He was a member of the Order of Daedalios, Theta Chi Fraternity, Epsilon Chapter, and the United Methodist Church of Cameron.
Mr. Collins was preceded in death by his parents, Lee R. and Ola Rhea Collins, formerly of Cameron.
He is survived by his childhood sweetheart and wife of 35 years, Joy Ellen (Michael) Collins; one sister, Beverly Peters, Sun Lakes, Ariz.; two brothers, Larry Collins, Granbury, Texas, and Ronnie Collins, Sun Lakes; and many loving nieces, nephews, and family members.
Service: 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4, at the United Methodist Church, Cameron. Visitation: 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday evening at Poland-Thompson Funeral Home, Cameron. Burial: Cameron Memory Gardens, Cameron.
Memorial Fund: American Cancer Society.