Dates
Gary Austin Collins, 51, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2015 at Shannon Hospital with his family and friends at his side. A memorial service will be held from 4-7p.m., July 27, 2015 at his sister’s residence in Grape Creek. Arrangements are by Shaffer Funeral Home/ Grape Creek.
Gary was born on July 3, 1964 to William “Bill” and Gypsy Long Collins at Shannon Hospital in San Angelo.
Gary was diagnosed on December 3, 2014 with congestive heart failure, diabetes, hypertension and cirrhosis of the liver. As much as he tried to do the things that gave him happiness in life, his body failed him and his attempts were futile. With each doctor’s visit that his sister took him to, the realization started sinking in that his health wasn’t good. Gary lived his life on his terms and made no excuses for the choices he made. You either loved him or didn’t. It was simple and easy to understand. Gary never met a stranger and was always there for his friends. Special thanks for Aubry Long and Jo Ann Davis for accepting him and loving him on his terms. Gary and Carrie had a special relationship that grew deeper from toddlers to teens to adults. Gary had an infectious smile and loved to laugh. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Gary was preceded in death by his mother, Gypsy Long Collins in 1984 and his father William Austin Collins in 2001.
He is survived by his sister, Carrie Collins and wife Amanda, special cousins, Charlotte Sebesta and Ricky Long as well as many aunts, uncles , cousins and friends.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers that you do and unexpected and unsolicited act of kindness for someone who is in need and do so in Gary’s name.