Louis Harold Collins

Louis Harold Collins, 80, passed away on August 9, 2021, at the Delaney at Lake Waco. The service will be held Saturday, August 14 at 2 pm at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, with Dr. Kourtney Aylor Lee officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Graveside services will follow at Waco Memorial Park for immediate family. Louis grew up in the Houston area, but loved the time he spent at the family cabin on the San Bernard River in Brazoria, where his passion for boats and boating was born. That passion grew into racing on lakes and rivers across America and eventually national championships and world records. Just a few weeks ago, from his hospital bed, Louis looked at his friend Chris Ray and said, “Let’s ride.” Louis and his wife Judy had a mutual friend Phyllis Trice, who “made sure” they met. Within six months, they married on February 6, 1983, at Peace Park in Salado. Louis never did anything halfway! With the help of his Aunt Blanche, he began collecting and dealing coins at a young age, specifically world coins. Eventually, his passion turned into a profession and often satisfied his need for “what’s next.” In this professional capacity, Louis was honored to become a member of the National Numismatist Guild. Louis spent many years as the foreign coin director in Dallas with Heritage Auctioneers and Galleries. After his retirement from the coin business, Louis moved to the Texas hill country to delight in the Highland Lakes. Maybe it was the beauty in those settings which captured his eye to venture into yet another occupation highlighting his great analytical ability, fine art. Louis had a real passion for western art and became a formidable presence at auctions across the country. Louis often identified value in art, not only monetarily, but also in the remarkable talent of artists. Over the years, Louis shared his various passions and abilities with others. He could find the perfect home, or car, or piece of art for his friends and family. Many have receieved his solid advice, and to that, they’re more than happy to attest. Louis was preceded in death by his parents, Louis Beverly Collins and Wilburn H. Collins. He is survived by his wife, Judy Carol Glass Collins; stepson, Scott Hamilton Woodard and wife Elizabeth Simpson Woodard; his son, Bradley Springer Collins and wife, Valerie Longwell Collins; his daughter, Tracy Lynne Collins; his grandsons, Austin Collins, Parker Collins, Gus Collins, and Knox Hamilton Woodard; and his granddaughters, Eleanor Anne Woodard and Amelia Jane Woodard. Louis’s pallbearers will be Austin Collins, Parker Collins, Gus Collins, John Murray, Chris Ray, and Orlan Bitner. Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Schubert and Alan Miller. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Thank you for your love and for being in our lives!