Wiley A. Collins

He served in the United States Navy following high school, including time stationed in Belle Chasse, Louisiana.

Wiley spent much of his life as an auctioneer and salesman at Henderson Auctions, a role that suited his quick wit, strong voice, and natural ability to connect with people. Though he often lived a solitary life, his coworkers and friends became like family to him, and he cherished the time he spent with them.

Wiley had a personality that left an impression. Everyone seemed to have a “Wiley story,” often involving him convincingly talking someone into believing something completely outlandish. As one friend put it, “You always knew where you stood with Wiley” — though you never quite knew when he was messing with you.

He loved being on the water, fishing along the Louisiana coast from Venice to Grand Isle, especially at Elmer’s Island, where he was known as a skilled speckled trout fisherman. A devoted sports fan, he never missed an LSU game and was always watching some kind of sport — from college football and little league baseball to fishing or golf.

Staying active was a core part of who he was. Wiley took great pride in his fitness, tracking his progress closely and earning recognition at his gym, most recently being celebrated as a top performer earlier this year.

Wiley’s time with his family was often centered around shared moments that became lasting memories. His girls grew up with his crawfish boils, a tradition that carried through the years — always seasoned just right, cooked perfectly, and somehow better every time. Those gatherings meant long days of swimming, telling stories, and Wiley making sure everyone had a drink in hand and a place to sit.

He made the trip to Mobile to meet his grandson, Jackson, the day he was born, later remarking that the fireworks he saw on the drive home felt like they were just for him. He spent time with Jackson and his girls at meaningful moments throughout the years, often during holidays filled with laughter, more stories, and gingerbread houses.

Wiley also loved his dog, Morty, who was rarely out of his arms. Whether riding around the auction yard in a golf cart or making his regular weekly stops at restaurants around town, Morty was always by his side. As his friends joked, they had never even seen Morty’s feet touch the ground.

He is survived by his children, Ashley and Amy Collins; his grandson, Jackson Murphy; his siblings, Billy Collins, Tricia Davis, and Paula Collins; his beloved dog, Morty; and many loving friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Billy Jackson Collins and Barbara Valentine Collins.

Wiley was truly one of a kind, deeply loved by those who knew him, and will live on in the countless stories where he remains at the center.

Visitation will be held at 10:30 a.m., followed by a service at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026, at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East.