David Lee Collins

Married Ada “Cook” Reed on November 24, 1967 in Abilene, Texas. Mrs. Collins passed away on September 28, 2012.

He graduated from El Paso High School then attended the New Mexico Military Institute and graduated from University of Texas at El Paso and obtained a degree in geology.

Mr. Collins served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1959 in the tank divison in Germany.

Owned Tesco in Abilene with his brother Arthur “Art” Collins.

He and Ada were well known for their beautiful Christmas display that hundreds of families enjoyed as they drove through their half circle driveway at 925 Sayles Blvd. Mr. Collins enjoyed handing out candy to the children as they visited the display. Hundreds of animated dolls were donated to Abilene State Supported Living Center. These animated dolls are in Quanna’s Winter Wonder Land a part of Christmas Lane so children can continue this Christmas joy for many years to come.

David Collins is survived by daughters, Sharon Smith and husband Jimmy of Abilene, Gayle Greer of Sweetwater, and son, Rickey Reed and Valinda Tatom of Old Hickory, Tennessee. A sister, Barbara Purser of Houston, a sister-in-law Abigail Collins of Abilene, 7 grandchildren; Craig Campbell, Tina Cruz, Britt Smith, Brad Greer, Tracy Greer, Brian Reed, and April Reed and 11 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and many close and well loved friends.

In addition to his beloved wife and parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Arthur “Art” Collins, and a son-in-law, Terry Greer.

Funeral services will be held at 11am on Friday December 22, 2017 at the Elliott-Hamil Chapel of Faith, 5701 Hwy 277 South with entombment following in Elmwood Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends for a visitation from 5 to 7pm on Thursday evening at the funeral home.

The family wishes to thank the nurses of Hendricks Hospice Care. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hendricks Hospice Care or Hendricks Home for Children.