Garry Collins

Garry Dale Collins

February 2, 1954 - July 26, 2026

Garry Dale Collins, lovingly known as “Poppy,” passed away at his home in Caledonia, Mississippi, on July 26, 2026. He was 72 years old.

Garry was born on February 2, 1954, in Frederick, Oklahoma, and moved with his family to Altus shortly thereafter. From an early age, he showed the determination that would earn him a reputation as one of the hardest-working men anyone could know. At just five years old, he began shining shoes at his father’s business.

Garry met his wife, Joy, in Altus, Oklahoma, in 1970. They were married in August 1972 and moved to Caledonia, Mississippi, in March 1973. There, they continued to grow their family and build a loving life together for fifty-four years.

Garry began his masonry career in 1976, working with Bud and Don Myers. He went on to partner with Olen Brock, forming what would become Collins Brock Masonry. He ended his career working alongside his longtime employee and friend, Vance Shelly.

Garry had a love for music and played the drums. His other passions included classic cars, motorcycles, and antiques.

Garry was rarely seen without a loyal canine companion by his side. Whether riding shotgun in his truck, perched on his motorcycle, or keeping watch at a construction site, his dogs were his constant shadows. His most recent companion, Ollie, was his devoted partner for 14 years and seldom left his side.

Garry was a devoted husband, a loving father and father-in-law, a proud grandfather, and a cherished son, brother, uncle, and friend. He was taken from us far too soon, and the void he leaves behind is immeasurable. His family hopes he knew just how much he meant not only to those closest to him but also to his community and to the many strangers who became friends along the way.

Known for his sudden exits, Garry has officially pulled off his final and ultimate Irish goodbye, leaving us all wishing we had just one more minute to say goodbye back.

Garry is survived by his wife, Joy Collins; his sons, Jason Collins and his wife, Angie, of Caledonia, Mississippi, and Jeremy Collins and his wife, Roxanna, of Port St. Lucie, Florida; his grandchildren, Kyle Collins, Kelsey Collins, Mary Beth Collins, Holden Collins, and Bianca Filote; his great-granddaughter, Layla Collins; his sister, Jan Jackson; and his brother, Don Collins. And many beloved sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Juanita Collins; his sister, Sue Sanchez; his father-in-law, Marty Killebrew; his mother-in-law, Miriam Killebrew; and his brothers-in-law, Sam Murphree, Mark Killebrew, and Mike Killebrew.

Celebration of Life

The family will host an informal celebration of Garry’s life at their home at 530 Ott Road in Caledonia, Mississippi, on Sunday, August 2, 2026. Friends and loved ones are welcome to stop by anytime between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. to visit with the family, share memories, and celebrate a life that touched so many.