Skipper David Collins

October 15, 1954 - March 8, 2026

Skipper David Collins, age 71, passed away on March 8, 2026. He was affectionately known as "Skip," and was born on October 15, 1954, in Waco, Texas. He was adopted and lovingly raised by his mother, Clara Loleta Fairris Collins, in Dallas, Texas.

Loleta was given the opportunity to raise Skip by her husband's brother, Billy Gene Collins, and Billy's wife, Bertha LaJeane Collins, who gave birth to Skip—originally named Russell Floyd Collins. On November 9, 1959, Loleta officially adopted him, giving him the name that would stay with him throughout his life — Skipper David Collins. Loleta and her husband, Jimmy Lee Collins, raised Skip from the time he was just six weeks old. Skip grew up in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas and graduated from Sunset High School in 1973, where he was active in football, baseball, and basketball—sports that became lifelong passions. He attended Southern Methodist University for two years until a knee injury ended his athletic pursuits. Skip's faith was steadfast; he was raised in the Baptist church and held a deep and enduring belief in Jesus Christ.

In 1978, Skip met Lee Ann Willis, and the two married in 1982. His career began humbly in television production as a "grip" for wrestling matches at the Sportatorium in Dallas. From there, he found his calling behind the camera, eventually joining Channel 39 (KXTX-TV) before moving on to a long and fulfilling career at JCPenney's Production Department when the company relocated to Texas. Skip began with JCPenney in 1990 and worked his way up through the department, retiring in 2012. Skip and Lee Ann were blessed with two sons: Payden Marshall Collins, born in 1990, and Casey Evan Collins, born in 1993. Together, they raised their family in Grand Prairie, Texas, before moving to Murphy, Texas, in 2003. Casey married Carly Sanchez Collins in 2020, and Skip took great joy in becoming "PaPa" to their sons: McCoy Archer and Denver August,
born in May 2021, and Kessler Lane, born in February 2023. In 2025, Skip learned more about his biological family and joyfully connected with two of his sisters, Debra Romero and Tami Nowlin of Waco, Texas. He treasured their time together, discovering family stories and shared history. Two of Skip's brothers, Bobby Gene Collins and Ronald Timothy Collins, also live in Waco and survive him. Though Skip grew up as an only child, he had a remarkable ability to create family wherever he went. His circle of friends became brothers and sisters of the heart. He will be remembered for his quick wit, infectious humor, and unwavering devotion to his family and friends.

Skip is survived by his beloved wife, Lee Ann Collins; his sons, Payden and Casey Collins; his daughter-in-law, Carly Collins; his cherished grandchildren, McCoy, Denver, and Kessler Collins; his siblings, Debra Romero, Tami Nowlin, Bobby Gene Collins, and Ronald Timoth Collins; and countless dear friends who loved him as family.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Woodcreek Church in Richardson, Texas. A reception will follow the service. Skip's legacy will live on through his laughter, his loyalty, and his love for every life he touched.