Richard Jay Collins, 75, passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2017 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. He was born on September 18, 1941 in Phillipsburg, New Jersey to Richard and Margaret (Anderson) Collins. Rick was a child model in New York City. As a young boy he went to summer music classes at the Fred Waring Studios in the Pocono's and he sang and tapped danced in many musicals. Rick loved NASCAR racing. He and Connie worked for NASCAR for 10 years and they raced an SCCA prepared race car in the 70's & 80's. They always did what they loved doing together. Rick loved working on and restoring Corvettes in his younger days. When he and Connie moved to La Luz, New Mexico in 2006 he started restoring his 1951 Ford Victoria. Rick graduated in 1960 from Washington High School, Washington, New Jersey. Rick joined the Unites States Air Force in 1961; he was an Arial gunner on gunships, C47's, C119's and C130's where he served in VietNam three tours from 1965 to 1970. He finished his career in the Air Force as a KC135 inflight refueling (boom) operator and retired after 20 years of service in 1981. He was awarded the Purple Heart plus many decorations, medals, campaign ribbons, badges and citations for all periods of service over his 20 years. Rick also retired from the City of Riverside, CA. as a heavy duty mechanic. Rick was a member of the Golden Gears Car Club and a volunteer at the Burro Flats Fire Station in La Luz. He loved doing road work with his Kubota tractor. Rick was a devoted husband and father and a loyal friend. He led a full and adventurous life. He will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents Richard Joseph and Margaret Collins and his brother Larry R. Collins. Survivors include his wonderful wife Connie, of 51 years; his son Phillip R. (Christi) Collins of Pace, FL.; daughter Koni Anne (Steven) Tudor of Wylie, TX.; two grandsons Keith Andrew (Rebekah) Collins of Pace, FL., Dustin L. (Cassie) Wright of North Platte, NE.; two granddaughters Kori Anne Tudor of Wylie, TX., Jessica Lynn Tudor of Greenville, TX.; two great grandsons Shawn Wright and Harkin Wright of North Platte, NE.; great granddaughter Akasha Hazen-Wright of North Platte, NE; his beloved dog Misty; nephews, nieces, cousins and many friends. Should friends desire, contributions may be made to the . The Collins family has entrusted their loved one to the care of Hamilton-O'Dell Funeral Home to direct funeral services. To sign the online register book, please visit www.hamiltonodell.comA graveside service for Richard Collins will be held at 1:30 pm Friday, March 31, 2017 at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.