Gary Wayne Collins
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Gary Wayne Collins passed away Saturday, January 7, 2023. Born on December 13, 1938, in Enid, Oklahoma, he was the son of Jack Robert Collins and Elizabeth McNatt Collins.
His family moved to Memphis when he was seven years old. Gary attended Peabody Elementary, Snowden and Tech High. After graduation Gary joined the Navy, was stationed in Turkey, and served aboard the USS Oxford, a communication ship responsible for bouncing the first messages off the moon.
When he left the Navy, Gary went to work for American Airlines in their communication department where he met his wife, Alison. He worked for Time DC and M.S. Carrier Truck Lines, before retiring. Gary was a long-time member and Elder of Lindenwood Christian Church. He became a Master Gardener, volunteering at Memphis Botanic Gardens and tending plants at church.
He leaves Alison his wife of 57 years, his daughter Pam Young of Phoenix, AZ, and son and daughter-in-law, Maj Gen Rob and Leah Collins, and three grandchildren, Madeline, Maria and Matt whom he loved dearly.
Visitation will be from 10:00am -11:00am on Saturday, January 14, 2023. The service will be at 11:00am in the sanctuary of Lindenwood Christian Church, with reception following immediately after the service. Burial will follow the reception at Memorial Park Cemetery at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Lindenwood Christian Church, 2400 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38112 in memory of Gary Collins.