COLLINS, Gregory Keith
Born on May 19, 1961, in Port Arthur, Texas, to the late Lieutenant Colonel William R. Collins and the late Carrie L. Dudley Collins. From the beginning, Greg brought light and joy to everyone he met.
On May 27, 1981, Greg answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Navy. During his service, he worked diligently to support his unit and embody the values of honor, courage, and commitment. His time in the Navy was a testament to his dedication and love for his country. Greg was honorably discharged on May 26, 1985, marking the end of his formal military service, but his pride in being a veteran remained with him throughout his life.
On October 20, 2006, Greg married Diana Bennett Buggs. Although they later separated in April 2016, Greg cherished Diana’s daughter and grandson as his own and held fond memories of their time together.
Gregory was a man who radiated joy. He loved God, his family, and the simple pleasures of life. A diehard Lakers fan, Greg’s passion for basketball was as strong as his love for the beach and the occasional indulgence in a good beer. Anyone who met Greg couldn’t help but be captivated by his humor, his kindness, and his infectious smile.
In 2015, Greg’s life changed dramatically after a devastating car accident that triggered early-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Despite the challenges that followed, Greg maintained his faith and positivity. When he found himself in a VA homeless shelter in 2016, the only name and number he could remember was that of his cousin, Ruby Felton. This began a nearly 10-year journey together, during which Ruby’s unwavering love and dedication became a lifeline for Greg.
With the help of the VA and dedicated social workers, Greg was able to live independently for several years until the pandemic in 2020 necessitated his move to a nursing home for his safety and well-being. Even then, Ruby continued to support Greg, staying in frequent contact with him and the nursing home staff, attending treatment team meetings, FaceTiming every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and visiting him regularly from Alabama to California. She made sure Greg felt loved, cared for, and remembered by sending him lunch every other Friday via DoorDash and celebrating special occasions with him, no matter the distance.
Over the last year of his life, Greg’s condition declined significantly, as is common for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease. In its final stages, the disease often robs individuals of their ability to communicate, recognize loved ones, and perform basic functions. Despite these challenges, Greg’s spirit of gratitude and faith remained a testament to his resilience. His frequent declaration, “I’m blessed,” was a reminder of his unshakable positivity and deep faith.
Gregory Keith Collins passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 19, 2024. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and faith that will live on in the hearts of his family and friends. His life was a testament to resilience, joy, and the power of connection. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.