Ray Collins, 82, of Riley (Terre Haute) joined his wife in Heaven following a sudden and unexplained brief illness.

Ray earned his master’s degree in mathematics and physics from Indiana State University. He began his career as a physics teacher at L&M High School in Lyons, now White River Valley High School. During his years in education, he influenced the lives of many young people and also served his community as a volunteer firefighter.

Ray later worked at Eli Lily’s Clinton Laboratories until retiring in 2007. He often said he retired so he could play golf full-time---and that is exactly what he did. He enjoyed golfing with his buddies three days a week and bowling.

Faith and service were at the center of Ray’s life. He was a valued and faithful member of Blackhawk Community church, where he served in numerous roles including moderator and treasurer.

Ray was a charter member of the Riley Lions Club when it began in 1968. He served in many countless leadership roles at the local, district, state, and international levels. He proudly served as District Governor of District 25 E-1 from 2003-2004 and devoted many years to the Indiana Lions Foundation.

One of Ray’s great passions was providing vision screenings for children. His dedication to Lionism and service was recognized through many honors, including the W.P. Woods Fellowship, a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellowship, a Sagamore of the Wabash, among numerous others. However, Ray never served for recognition. He served because helping others was simply part of who he was.

In 1964 Ray married his high school sweetheart, Elaine Marie Modesitt. Together they built a beautiful life and raised two daughters, Tina Marie (Bobby), Lorenzen and Kristy Rae (Matt) McCullough.

Ray was especially proud of his three grandsons, Kaleb, 18, Mason, 15, and Kevin, 9. He loved being their Papaw and treasured every moment spent watching them grow, supporting their activities, sharing stories about them, and making memories together.

The oldest of five children, Ray is also survived by his brother, Robert Collins, and two sisters, Mary Wagner (Charles) and Joyce Owen, along with many close nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elaine Marie Collins, his parents Jack and Mert Collins, and his brother William Collins.

Ray will be remembered for his devotion to his family, faith, his lifetime of service, and the countless friendships he formed along the way. He lived a full and meaningful life---one marked by love, leadership, laughter, and service to others. His absence leaves an immeasurable space in the hearts of those who loved him, but the legacy he created will continue for generations.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August12, 2026 in DeBaun Springhill Chapel at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. John Campbell and Rev. Joe Craft officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery near Riley. Friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday after 2 p.m. and again on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until services. The family requests that donations be made to the Riley Lions Ray of Hope Backpack program in his honor.