Richard Miller Collins Sr

1946 - 2026

Richard Miller Collins Sr., a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend, and godly man, died and went to be with the Lord on his and his wife Barbara's 57th wedding anniversary, January 4, 2026. Born December 28, 1946, he grew up in Memphis, Tennessee, and attended Messick High School and Memphis State University.

After learning the home building business working for Thompson Lumber Co. and Boyle Development Co., he founded Collins Construction Company in 1975, which is still operated by his son, David. He served as a board member of the Southern Living Custom Home Program from 1996 to 2000, building numerous Southern Living homes in the Memphis area. He loved playing golf with his numerous golfing buddies, hunting, and attending a never-ending stream of grandchildrens' sporting events.

He formerly served as chairman of the diaconate and as an elder at Second Presbyterian Church. He also served on the Presbyterian Day School board from 1981 to 1986.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gladys and Carl Collins, and his brother, Phil Collins. He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his children, Ashley Robinson (Bert), Richard Collins Jr., Grace Thompson (Rob), and David Collins (Laura); his grandchildren, Mac and Collins Robinson, Miller, Bo, Powers, and Edy Thompson, and Ella Grace and Kate Collins; and his faithful men's prayer group of 50 years. Ricky will be remembered as being "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord, his labor is not in vain." (I Corinthians 15:58)

A visitation will be held at Second Presbyterian Church on Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., and the memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. Memorials may be made to Second Presbyterian Church, Neighborhood Christian Center, Samaritan's Purse, or a charity of the donor's choice.