Ronald Joe Collins

Ronald Joe Collins, 79, of Abilene, Texas passed away peacefully on September 10, 2026. A lifelong resident of Abilene, Ron was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose greatest joys in life came from his family, the outdoors, and the time he spent with the people he loved.

Ron was born in Abilene on August 26, 1947, to H.T. Collins, Jr. and Alta Jean Collins. He graduated from Abilene High School with the Class of 1965 and married the love of his life, Sherri Giddens Collins, on August 17, 1967, in Abilene. They shared 59 years of marriage and built a life centered around their family. 

After serving in the United States Army, Ron began his career as an electrician with Texas Oil and Electric, which eventually led him to Pride Refinery, where he concluded his career as Refinery and Truck Terminal Manager.  Ron took great pride in his work and in the many people he worked alongside throughout the years.

While Ron was dedicated to his work, his heart was always happiest outdoors.  Some of his favorite days were spent fishing or hunting with his best friend, hero, and father, H.T. Collins, Jr.  Those days created memories that stayed with him throughout his life.  Ron carried that same love of the outdoors forward by teaching his five grandchildren the skills and knowledge he had learned, sharing with them not only how to fish and hunt, but also the simple joy of being together. 

Ron's greatest legacy, however, will be the love he gave to his family.  He will be deeply missed by his wife, daughters, grandchildren, sister, extended family and all those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Ronald was preceded in death by his parents, H.T. Collins, Jr.,  and Alta Jean Collins; and his brother, Harold Collins.

He is survived by his wife, Sherri Giddens Collins; daughters, Traci Collins and Melinda Collins Whitfill (Cody); his sister, Catherine McAnally (John); and five grandchildren, Olivia Whitfill Foster (Cody), Creed Whitfill (Maddie), Briley Laxton-Collins, Kacey Laxton-Collins and Cameron Laxton-Collins.  He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Creed Whitfill, Briley Laxton-Collins, Cody Foster, Matthew McAnally, Jason Graham, Banton Graham, and Tim Carpenter. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Giddens and Lucas Giddens.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd., Abilene, Texas. David Cason of Broadview Baptist Church will officiate. Burial will follow at Hawley Cemetery. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Broadview Baptist Church.

The family of Ronald wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Candy Bowen, NP; Dr. Rupinder Kaur; the staff of Hendrick Medical Center North ICU and 3rd Floor Cardiac Unit; and the staff at Continuing Care Hospital and Silver Springs Skilled Nursing.  A special thank-you goes to Roxy Aguilar with Hendrick Pulmonary Rehab, who was a bright spot and tremendous help to Ron and our family throughout this past year.  We are deeply grateful for the kindness, compassion and care shown to Ron and our family.