Gary Dee Collins, Sr.

Gary Dee Collins, Sr., 84, of Porterville, IL, died March 26, 2021, at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana, IL. He was born February 7, 1937, on the family homestead, the son of George A. & Eunice B. (Wilson) Collins, both of whom preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his siblings, William Collins, Bertha Roberts, George Collins, Jr., Robert Collins, Gloria Elliott, Grover Collins, and Donna Shock. He married Sharon Richards on August 1, 1962, and she survives. He is also survived by his children, Gary Dee Collins, Jr. & fiancée, Cindy Williamson, Pam Schoncheck, and Todd Collins & wife, Lori; by his grandchildren, Gary Dee Collins III (Mackey) & wife, Melissa, Tiffany Snider & husband, Jeremy, Megan Collins, Maycee Collins, Earl Schoncheck, Jr. & partner, Sarah Ackman, Sarah Daugherty & husband, Dallas, Victoria Hicks & husband, Jordan, Lydia Schweinsberg & husband, Lucas, and Hannah Collins; by 11 great-grandchildren, Aiden Collins, Calvin Collins, Alayna Snider, Wyatt Snider, Deegan Childress, Daylon Childress, Earl Schoncheck III, Emmett Schoncheck, Elliott Schoncheck, Leighton Daugherty, and Walker Daugherty; by his brother & sister-in-law, Ronnie & Sandy Collins; as well as several nieces and nephews. For most of his life, Gary called Porterville "home". He attended school at Robinson and was a standout basketball player for RHS, to the point that he was selected to play against the Harlem Globetrotters when they came to town! His love of the game never faded, as evidenced by his lifelong, undying support of Fighting Illini basketball. He was also an avid supporter and member of the Eastern Illinois Sportsman's Club and enjoyed the camaraderie he found at the countless meetings and fish fries he attended through the years. As a young man, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army National Guard before being honorably discharged on December 16, 1959. He also served in the Army Reserves before being honorably discharged on November 30, 1962. He eventually found work at Ettelbrick Shoe Factory before making the move to Briggs Pottery, where he worked for 34 dedicated years. Time away from work often found the man outside. He was, by all accounts, a sportsman, as few things brought more life to his living than hunting and fishing. At home, one could often find Gary meticulously mowing his yard or keeping his family's home looking crisp with a fresh coat of paint. That being said, he recognized the importance of slowing down to the moment and spent innumerable hours simply gathering his thoughts and reflecting on his life. After all, his was truly a life well-lived. His 84 years were marked by deep-seated companionship and a heart that beat for others. His family, in particular, was a great source of joy and pride in his life, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who kept their grandpa young at heart in the twilight of his life. He lit up around them when gathered for family cookouts, events which provided his family with many wonderful memories of this wonderful man. May his memory continue to serve as his legacy, stirring within us for as long as we live. A time of visitation will be held from 10:30-11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 2nd, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson, IL. Funeral services will immediately follow and will be held at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Pastor David Vaughn officiating. Burial will be in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the "American Heart Association", with envelopes available at the funeral home. *Please note that COVID-19 guidelines will be followed. Thusly, masks and social distancing will be required on-premises.*