Herbert Arthur Ray Collins, a distinguished man of God, devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and a friend to many, was born on April 10, 1940, in Kendleton, Texas, to Pastor Harbert Collins and Eva J. Collins. Herbert was the sixth of seven children in a family deeply rooted in faith and community service.
In 1956, Herbert and his family relocated to Los Angeles, California, marking the beginning of a journey filled with devotion, service, and leadership. After graduating from Centennial High School, he embraced his calling to the ministry at Carver Foursquare Gospel Church under Rev. Curtis and Alma Hammond. It was there he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior, was filled with the Holy Ghost, and began his lifelong commitment to spreading the word of God as a Youth Pastor.
Herbert's dedication to service was not confined to the spiritual realm. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam Conflict, receiving an honorable discharge for his bravery and dedication. One of his favorite phrases was “there’s the right way, the wrong way, and the Navy way”! Following his service, he pursued academic excellence, earning a degree in Criminal Justice from Compton Community College and graduating from the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department. Herbert's career culminated in his retirement from the Los Angeles Unified School District Police Department in 1995. He later continued to serve his community as Advisor to the Department of Public Safety for the City of Kendleton, Texas for 2 years.
His spiritual journey led him to serve as Assistant Pastor at Gethsemane Church of God in Christ, and later as the beloved Pastor of First Saint John Missionary Baptist Church in Watts, California, for 11 years. Herbert, by the leading of the Holy Spirit, relocated to Montgomery, Texas in 1995. He became the proud Pastor of Brownwood Church in 1996. Herbert's commitment to his faith and community continued for 27 years until his health no longer permitted active pastoral duties.
Herbert's personal life was as rich and fulfilling as his professional and spiritual endeavors. He was a dedicated husband married to the love of his life Annie Collins for sixty years. He was also a devoted father to their daughter, Cynthia Collins, Wendy Rogers (first union to Francis Lee) and Sheryl Chenault. Herbert's legacy is carried on by his sister Ruby Byrd, brother Quentin Collins, his children, grandchildren Tiffany Marshall (Patrick), who he raised as his own, JaQuioya Head, Prentice Head IV, Erin Yates (Delvin), Tyesha Rogers, Tyana Rogers, Tyasha Rogers, Javorious Jones, Chanesity Harris, Irieon Harris, great-grandchildren Jaida, Zayden, Cinco, Kingston, Patricia, Messiah, Corbyn, Bryson, Patrick III, Aliyah, Ashanti, Serenity, Zyohn and Zyaire, and a multitude of nieces and nephews, all of whom will miss him dearly.
Herbert was preceded in death by his siblings Irene Randle, Harvey Collins, Ophelia McFadden, Harold Collins and by his beloved grandson Ishwan Mazeke, Herbert leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and unwavering commitment to his family and community.
Special mention: Pastor -Rev. Mother Thomas, Vanisha Walker, KinteWelton, and Pier Welton, who he helped raise and loved like his own. Godchildren: Lucille Hill (Farell), John and Wanda Devereaux
Special Friends: C.L. Whitfield, Sherman Saul, Johnnie and Jerry O’Neal.
Herbert Arthur Ray Collins will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His legacy will continue to inspire and guide us. Rest in peace, dear Herbert. Your love, leadership, and faith have left an indelible mark on the world. We will remember that “it’s tight but it’s right, it’s strong but it ain’t wrong, and if you can take it you can make it!!!
A celebration of life for Arthur Ray will be held Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Brownwood Baptist Church, 17659 FM 149, Montgomery, Texas 77356.
