Gary Leon Collins, 80, passed away on June 28th.
Gary Leon Collins, born to Leon and Maude Cone Collins on August 30, 1939 in Tulsa, OK. The family lived in Sapulpa, OK until they moved to Eloy, AZ when Gary was in the 6th grade. He graduated from Santa Cruz Valley Union High School in 1958. He served in the U.S. Navy. He obtained degrees from ASU, U of A, and Nova University. He had a long and varied career with the Apache Junction Unified School District as a teacher, coach, counselor, Principal, and Assistant Superintendent.
He loved his family and his weekly golf days with his buddies.
He is survived by his wife, JoAnne Clarke Collins, daughter, Carrie White (Tim), and daughter Aubrey Kopp (Jeff). Grandchildren Maddie White, Devin White, Hudson Kopp, and Dawson Kopp.
He will be missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and former students.
Services are to be scheduled at a later date.
Our hearts are broken. Gary was the first person we met at Cobb’s when Cy interviewed for a job in AJ.
Cy enjoyed many trips together to see ballgames. You could always count on Gary being at any game AJ was playing.
We were blessed to be a part of your whole family’s lives. Thank you and may the Good Lord keep you strong during this time.
Love, Cy and Lydia Henry
Our hearts are broken. Gary was the first person we met at Cobb’s when Cy interviewed for a job in AJ.
Cy enjoyed many trips together to see ballgames. You could always count on Gary being at any game AJ was playing.
We were blessed to be a part of your whole family’s lives. Thank you and may the Good Lord keep you strong during this time.
Love, Cy and Lydia Henry