Guy Horace Collins

1946 - 2025

Guy Horace Collins, known as "Sonny" to his family and "G.H." to his classmates, went to be with his Savior on December 20, 2025, after a hard-fought battle with prostate cancer.  He was born in Little Rock, AR on October 20, 1946.  He was preceded in death by his father, Jewell Fix Collins, mother Mavis Parson Collins, and sister, Frances Ellen Lackey (Don).
He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Sheila Collins, and their three children: Shelyn (Chuck) Davis, Sharon Turner, and George (Lindsay) Collins.  He is further survived by his grandchildren: Jared (Heather) Davis, Matthew (Samantha) Davis, Marcus (Caroline) Davis, Lauren (Josh) Rhodes, Austin (Alana) Turner, Hannah (Rasheed) Turner, Caleb Lloyd, Emerson Collins, and Lillian Collins.  He had two great-grandchildren, Ava Turner and Sawyer Davis.  He had three nieces and nephews:  Donna (Jeff) Wallace, Ronnie Lackey, and Rhonda (Ron) Swayze, along with a host of cousins.
He leaves behind three close friendships:  lifelong friend and hunting buddy, Mike Harbour, golfing buddy Bill Almond, and Vietnam War brother-in-arms Darrell Hall.
G.H. graduated from Malvern High School in 1964 and then from Henderson State University in 1968.  Upon completion of ROTC training at Henderson, he entered the United States Army as a 2nd Lieutenant in 1969.  He was deployed to Vietnam as part of the Big Red 1 Infantry division and then later transferred to the 101st Airborne "Screaming Eagles" he served one year and promoted to First Lieutenant.  He was awarded the Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Parachutist Badge, and Combat Infantry Badge.  His time in the military, specifically his time in Vietnam, shaped who he was and his outlook on life.
G.H. came home from Vietnam to his wife and two daughters and worked at Sears for five years before starting his gutter and insulation business.  He was a proud business man and ran several businesses throughout his life.  In 2003, he bought Essex Park Golf Club in Hot Springs, which became a family business that he ran with Sheila and his son, George.  Throughout the years, the whole family spent time working at the golf course, shaping the work ethic that he instilled in his children and grandchildren: if you work hard, you can also play hard.
He was a family-oriented man and loved each of them tremendously.  Nicknamed the "Golf-Father," he played an active role in every relationship.  He loved his golf, deer hunting, the Razorbacks, and chatting with coffee-drinking buddies.  He loved spending his evenings with his wife, Sheila, sharing a good meal and watching episodes of Jeopardy, the History Channel, or any sporting event.
His competitive spirit pushed him to be successful in life, and in various fields of play, whether it be football, boxing, baseball/softball, golf, or basketball.  His love for sport and competition was infectious to whoever was around him.  His kids, grandkids, and numerous community members have called him "Coach" and remember his command of "At ease!" when giving instructions.  He spoke from the heart, plain and true.
G.H. was a faithful member of Emmanual Baptist Church.
The family invites friends and family to the visitation at Emmanual Baptist Church, 1427 Jefferson Street, Malvern, Arkansas 72104 at 1:00 PM with services to follow at 2:00 PM with Bro. Carroll Koon and Bro. Matthew Davis officiating.  Burial will follow at Rockport Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers are his grandsons; Jared Davis, Matthew Davis, Marc Davis, Austin Turner, Emerson Collins, and Caleb Lloyd.
The family wishes to express a special thanks to Hospice Home Care.
Arrangements by Regency Funeral Home.  You may sign the guestbook at regencyfuneralhome.com.