Randolph "Randy" Collins

SFC Randolph (Randy) H. Collins; On February 15th , 2024, SFC Randy H. Collins, Retired Army Combat Veteran passed away in Ocala Florida from a lengthy battle with lung cancer due to exposure to Agent Orange. He entered into his life on July 28th , 1948, the proud son of Mr. Sam Collins Sr. and Gladys (Howard) Collins to whom he dearly loved. Randy was wed to Bach T. Huynh (Snow) Collins, she survives. To this union, two sons, blessed their marriage, James (Christie) Collins, and Daniel Collins residing in Ocala. His life was equally enriched by his sisters, Mrs. Francis (Collins) John McTiernan and Ms. Carol Haygood, along with grand and great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, all who remember Randy as someone they could depend upon, talk to, and knew they were loved. Randy was drafted into the United States Army at an early age during the onset of the Republic of Vietnam War. Along with his fellow Brothers, they flew high over the foreign territory preparing to parachute into the Jungles of Vietnam. The United States, 4/9 Calvary, his Band of Brothers, learned that day what it meant to be known as an American Soldier. For his war efforts, he received the National Defense Service Medal, Bronze Star, Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal – 25, Combat Infantryman Badge, Civil Action Humanitarian Medal, Aircraft Crewman Badge, Overseas bars -6, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Army Service Ribbons, Overseas Ribbon-2. To his duty once stateside, he became an Army Recruiter and received the Professional Development, Good Conduct, Gold Recruiter Badge with 3 Sapphire Stars and retiring with twenty-two years of honorable service. Randy loved to fish, debate current events, and spend time searching for his former Brothers who he served alongside. He wore the Calvary Stetson with honor as his dress attire, and he would find peace in remembering those who paid the ultimate price with their life. He pledged honor and dignity to Gold Star families, he stood proudly during the National Anthem, he spent the rest of his life accepting things he could not change and understanding for what he experienced. He was a man who loved one another, no difference of your color or belief. It was the wish of SFC Collins to be returned to the Mekong Delta in Vietnam but to his tribute a Memorial Service will be held by invitation at the Bushnell National Cemetery in Ocala Florida after arrangements have been made. He will enter his final journey in the presence of his Lord and Master, parents, son Michael, brothers Horace, Sam Jr, L.J. (Lewis Judson), Sam Dennis and one sister, Ruth Ann (Collins) Castleberry and his daughter in-law Robin Collins.

Randolph "Randy" Collins

July 28, 1948 - February 15, 2024