Richard Collins

Richard Ellison Collins, 81, completed his earthly mission and returned home to his Heavenly Father on June 17, 2020. He is now free of the COVID19 and vascular dementia that he fought for so long.

Richard was born on October 9, 1938, in Greenville, SC to Bernice Virginia Emory and Ellison Adolphus Collins, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded by a son, Eric Todd Collins; and a brother, Darrel Wayne Collins.

He was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Richard married the love of his life, Kay Anne Potts, on September 12, 1987. They were sealed in the Oakland Temple on January 17, 1991. They have one daughter, Emory Jane, who resides in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Richard was an ordinance worker for ten years, serving in the Jordan River, Draper and Provo temples. He dearly loved his temple service.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. Richard loved everything about his hometown of Abbeville, South Carolina and enjoyed sharing treasured memories of growing up in the South; and spending time on his grandparents’ farm, playing with his brother Bob, and being with extended family.

Richard spent four years in the Air Force, and while stationed at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, he helped man a satellite tracking station. His first marriage was to Patricia A. Smith in 1958, and produced four children. Richard earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Utah State University in Logan. His career served him well, as he retired in 1996 from Linear Technology Corporation as the Director of Asia Pacific Sales.

He is survived by his eternal companion and best friend, Kay; son Rick (Theresa) Collins, daughter Laura (Dar) Ashliman; daughter Serena (Mark) LeBaron; daughter Emory Collins, brother Robert (Beverly) Collins, daughter-in-law Sandy (Eric) Collins, twelve grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, two nephews, one niece and three great nieces.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, August 22, 2020 at 12:00 noon at the Northbridge Ward Chapel located at 1080 W. Arlington St., Washington, Utah  84780

If desired, contributions may be made to Sun Tree Home Health and Hospice or The Wentworth at the Meadows Memory Care - both in St. George.