Louis Allen Collins Jr.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Delores B. Collins, and his children, Cassandra Crawley and Malcolm Collins; his parents, Louis A. Collins Sr., and Susie Carter Collins; his brothers, John Collins, Cephus Collins, Willie Collins; and his sister, Elizabeth Owens.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted daughter, Cheryl Corbin (Joseph), and devoted granddaughter, Ashley Pearce. He is also survived by his children, Louis A. Collins III (Tammie), Timothy Collins (Tara), Amanda Collins, and Michael Collins; 20 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; siblings, Rebecca Peoples, Josephine Herring, Charles Collins, and Dave Collins (Carolyn); and a host of other family and friends.

Louis faithfully served as pastor for 33 years at Mount Gilliam New Site Baptist Church, where his voice became a source of strength and comfort for generations. A proud member of the Baptist General Convention of Virginia and the American Baptist Churches, he also contributed meaningfully to the Louisa County and Vicinity Minister’s Conference and the Sunday School Union.

His spiritual journey began at his home church, Great Hope Baptist Church, located in the historic Church Hill area of Richmond, Virginia. There, his foundation in faith was established.

In addition to his pastoral ministry, Louis served his country honorably as a member of the United States Army Reserves from 1956 until his retirement in 1995, achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. He was a proud veteran whose discipline, leadership, and compassion shaped his service both in and out of uniform.

Louis was a graduate of Maggie L. Walker High School, where he excelled as captain of the football team and competed in track and field. In his youth, he also found passion in the boxing ring, developing resilience and resolve that would carry through every chapter of his life.

His professional career spanned 32 years at Mack Trucks, where he began as a parts manager, and he later founded and operated his own delivery service until retiring in 2012.

Throughout his life, Louis was known for his wise counsel, generous spirit, and sincere heart. He often reminded others, in his own words:

“I am living by the grace of God.”

“Don’t ever give up on God.”

“Try your best to be faithful to God and help people. Be honest and sincere.”

The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for viewing on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at Fifth Baptist Church, 1415 W Cary St, Richmond, VA 23220 where a funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m.

Due to a scheduling change, the graveside service for Louis, originally planned for Monday at 11:00 a.m., will now take place on Wednesday, April 9 at 11:00 a.m. at Roselawn Memory Gardens, 13389 Mountain Rd, Glen Allen, VA 23059.