The Collins family would like to welcome friends to Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home on Monday, March 5, 2018 for a visitation. Life Celebration services for are scheduled for 2 PM, Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home in Haughton, LA. Pastor James Gilbert from Cowboy Outreach Ministries in Haughton, LA will serve as officiant.
Lena Campbell and Johnnie P. Collins welcomed Johnnie into this world on December 22, 1946 in Shreveport, LA. Mr. Collins served his country in the Army during the Vietnam conflict. Once he completed his service, he joined the US Postal Service where he remained until his retirement.
Johnnie is described by those who knew him best as an honorable and hardworking man with a giant heart. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather that loved nothing more than spending time with Shirley, the love of his life, and his family. Mr. Collins passed surrounded by his family on February 28, 2018 at the age of 71.
Preceding Johnnie in death are his parents, two brothers Preston and Buddy Collins, father-in-law Ralph Lafitte, Sr. and brother-in-law Ralph Lafitte, Jr. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Shirley Lafitte Collins; son Jason D. Collins with Amanda; daughter, Leigh Ann Hornbuckle with Tracy; sisters, Devonne LeBlanc, Sandra McMillion and Brenda Atkins; brother, William Floyd “Butch” Collins; grandchildren, Thomas Hornbuckle, Danielle Collins, and Lacie Collins; mother-in-law Billie Garza; and (according to Johnnie) hundreds of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.
Pall Bearers for Tuesday’s service include Joey Brazzle, Sr., Dusty LeBlanc, Scott Collins, William Tapia, Ronnie Collins, Kenny Harvey, Stone Collins and Daniel Farrell. Honorary pallbearers include William Tapia, Jr. and Joey Brazzle, Jr.
The family wishes to offer a heartfelt thank you to the VA Hospital “Red Team” for their compassionate care, and a special thank you to family friend Connie Dukes for helping them navigate one of the toughest times of their lives.