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Richard Collins
Richard Collins, age 71, of Kill Devil Hills, NC passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Monday, January 12, 2026, after a long battle with liver complications. He passed away surrounded by family in the comfort of his own home while listening to his favorite country music.
Richard had a passion for hunting, fishing, and enjoying the beautiful North Carolina weather on the beach or from his home patio. Those passions led Richard to become a Director within the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association where he volunteered with beach cleanups, fishing tournaments, and awarding Angler of the Year and Youth Angler of the Year.
He will be remembered for his outgoing personality, devotion to his friends and family, and love for local wildlife. When not cooking for his friends and neighbors, Richard could be found refilling the countless bird and squirrel feeders displayed around his home.
Richard is survived by his wife Linda; his brothers, Donald Collins (Kathy-Ann) and Bobby Collins (Norma); his son, Tim, his daughter-in-law Alissa, and his beloved grandson Milo. He was proceeded in death by his father Hoyle Nathan “Jack” Collins Jr., his mother Francis Coley Collins, and sister Dawn Collins.
A celebration of life and an ocean send off will be held at a later date, as Richard truly disliked cold weather. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association.
Fair winds and following seas, Richard. We love you.
Please share expressions of sympathy with the family at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.
Condolences
I will miss Richard as a friend and co-worker. He was a kind and talented man!
We are sad to hear the news of Richard's passing. He became a very good friend to all of us at Shoreline OBX. He sure will be missed, but thought of every day.
Sending lots be to family and friends. Always good memories 💕
I had the pleasure working with Rich on many NCBBA projects. I enjoyed his enthusiasm always wanting to do the best for the people around him.
Rich was a great guy, he had a huge heart.. He will be missed.. Prayers for his Family and Friends..🙏🙏
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I only met Rich in the last few years but valued him as a good friend. Very sorry his time has been cut so short in life. Rest in peace.
You fought hard my friend, now you can rest. I am so sorry I didn't get by to see you recently. I will miss you deeply.
I met Rich for the first time in Ocracoke for the 2024 tournament. He was so full of life and showed kindness to all. I missed seeing him in 2025 and now so sorry to hear about his death.
This was such sad news to hear. Many thoughts and prayers sent for Linda and Tim. Richie was a friend for more than 55 years. Many good times at Warwick Yacht Club. Always a smile on his face and a big hug, when he saw you. Cooked us dinner, took us on a wild horse tour, last time we saw him. You will be so missed.
My most heartfelt condolences to you all. Rich was so supportive of my balloon mission. We bonded over environmental issues as his love of this land was as enormous as his heart. His kindness always radiated. He shall be missed by all. Lifting you all in prayer.
So sorry for your loss, he was a very outstanding man, fishing with him was never dull
Linda & Tim...we are so sorry to hear about the loss of Richard. Even though it has been some time since we last saw one another, we think about all of you, and riminess about the fun times weve had. Oh how we loved his cooking, and to hear his stories and his great laugh. There are no words that can truly ease the pain of losing him, but we hope you can take some comfort in knowing that you are in our thoughts. Praying all the wonderful memories you have bring you strength and moments of peace during this difficult time. Please let us know when his celebration of life will be, we would love to be there. We love you. RIP good friend.
My heart goes out to you and your family. Please keep me in mind when you decide to do his celebration of life! I know all about his love for this area! His wife just needed to show him just how great life can be in the OBX. How many ppl do you know who named their dog after the closest lighthouse! There are many ppl I know that had the privledge of knowing him!!! He made an impact with everyone who met him! Im so happy he got to live and know the life you loved!
My deepest condolences to the Collins family. It was a pleasure caring for Mr Collins when he came for his treatments, and he always kept us laughing. 🥄🥄 The two spoons are for what he jokingly called us. He will be missed
My deepest condolences to the Collins family. It was a pleasure caring for Mr. Collins when he came to VA for his treatments. He always kept us laughing.
I will miss Richard as a friend and co-worker. He was a kind and talented man!
We are sad to hear the news of Richard’s passing. He became a very good friend to all of us at Shoreline OBX. He sure will be missed, but thought of every day.
Sending lots be to family and friends. Always good memories 💕
I had the pleasure working with Rich on many NCBBA projects. I enjoyed his enthusiasm always wanting to do the best for the people around him.
Rich was a great guy, he had a huge heart.. He will be missed.. Prayers for his Family and Friends..🙏🙏
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. I only met Rich in the last few years but valued him as a good friend. Very sorry his time has been cut so short in life. Rest in peace.
You fought hard my friend, now you can rest. I am so sorry I didn’t get by to see you recently. I will miss you deeply.
I met Rich for the first time in Ocracoke for the 2024 tournament. He was so full of life and showed kindness to all. I missed seeing him in 2025 and now so sorry to hear about his death.
This was such sad news to hear. Many thoughts and prayers sent for Linda and Tim. Richie was a friend for more than 55 years. Many good times at Warwick Yacht Club. Always a smile on his face and a big hug, when he saw you. Cooked us dinner, took us on a wild horse tour, last time we saw him. You will be so missed.
My most heartfelt condolences to you all. Rich was so supportive of my balloon mission. We bonded over environmental issues as his love of this land was as enormous as his heart. His kindness always radiated. He shall be missed by all. Lifting you all in prayer.
So sorry for your loss, he was a very outstanding man, fishing with him was never dull
Linda & Tim…we are so sorry to hear about the loss of Richard. Even though it has been some time since we last saw one another, we think about all of you, and riminess about the fun times weve had. Oh how we loved his cooking, and to hear his stories and his great laugh.
There are no words that can truly ease the pain of losing him, but we hope you can take some comfort in knowing that you are in our thoughts. Praying all the wonderful memories you have bring you strength and moments of peace during this difficult time.
Please let us know when his celebration of life will be, we would love to be there. We love you. RIP good friend.
My heart goes out to you and your family. Please keep me in mind when you decide to do his celebration of life! I know all about his love for this area! His wife just needed to show him just how great life can be in the OBX. How many ppl do you know who named their dog after the closest lighthouse! There are many ppl I know that had the privledge of knowing him!!! He made an impact with everyone who met him! Im so happy he got to live and know the life you loved!
My deepest condolences to the Collins family. It was a pleasure caring for Mr Collins when he came for his treatments, and he always kept us laughing. 🥄🥄 The two spoons are for what he jokingly called us. He will be missed
My deepest condolences to the Collins family. It was a pleasure caring for Mr. Collins when he came to VA for his treatments. He always kept us laughing.