Bobby Ray Collins

Funeral services for Bobby Ray Collins, 54, of Kilgore, Texas will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 9, 2020 with Rev. James Bell as eulogist and Rev. Marvin Taylor officiating at New Birth Fellowship Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Victory Funeral Services.

Bobby was born on Wednesday, October 12, 1966, in Overton, Texas, to Robby O’Quinn and Juanita Collins. He departed this life on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at Christus Trinity Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler, Texas.

As a child he attended Kilgore Independent School District public schools and ultimately graduated from Kilgore High School in the Class of 1985. He excelled in sports and was labeled by many as one of the best athletes to ever grace the halls of KHS. Participating in many extra-curricular activities he was a standout member of the football, basketball, and track teams, leaving and breaking many school and state championship records. He further pursued his education at the University of Houston for two years after high school.

After college, his work career consisted of employment at Pak-Sher, Closure Systems International, the City of Longview, and self-employment as a home improvement construction contractor.

Bobby had a very special relationship with God that he expressed in his own way.

His father, mother, grandparents, two brothers, Vernon R. Collins, and Billy J. Collins all preceded him in death.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Alisha Hightower-Collins of Tyler, TX; two brothers, Donald Collins and Michael Collins and his wife, Kendra all of Kilgore, TX; four sisters, Ruby Collins, Sharon Collins, Karen Collins-Walker and her husband, Benjamin all of Longview, TX; and Katherine Collins-Williams and her husband, Marcus of Kilgore, TX; two uncles, Bobby Rossum and his wife, Audrey and James Rossum all of Dallas, TX; life-long friend, James Bell and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic social distancing and masks are required at the service.

Public viewing will be held on Friday, January 8, 2020 from 2 to 7 p.m. via drive-thru and exterior walk-up at Victory Funeral Services.