Leroy James Collins' Obituary
Leroy James Collins, of Gumboro, Delaware, passed away on April 16, 2026, at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes, DE, surrounded by his family. He was 80 years old.
Born on November 11, 1945, in Salisbury, Maryland, Leroy was the son of the late Carmel Leroy Collins and Dorothy Lee (Campbell) Collins. He was a proud graduate of Millsboro High School, Class of 1963, and went on to attend Goldey-Beacom College, where he earned an associate’s degree in business.
Leroy served his country as a Private in the Army Reserves in 1969, attending the U.S. Army Quartermaster School and stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He married Elizabeth “Pixie” Collins in 1970 at the Gumboro Methodist Church. Together, they built a life rooted in hard work, family, and faith, sharing 38 years of marriage before her passing in 2008. Leroy and Pixie worked side by side to build and operate their poultry farm. While Leroy devoted himself to the farm and sawmill—his pride and joy—Pixie lovingly cared for their two children and home. She was the love of his life.
In 1977, following the passing of his father, Leroy became co-owner and operator of Collins Brothers Farm in Gumboro. What began as a difficult transition became a lifelong calling. Leroy never retired; he loved the land and the work it demanded. In fact, he was still hauling corn as recently as a month ago and was looking forward to getting right back to work. The farm was not just his livelihood—it was his joy.
He was a lifetime member of the Gumboro Fire Department and a Master Mason with Delaware Lodge No. 37 in Dagsboro. Leroy was also a past member of the Elks Lodge in Selbyville and a member of the Delaware Farm Bureau.
Leroy was known for his unwavering work ethic, quiet generosity, and humble spirit. He was a kind, unselfish man who gave freely of his time and financial resources without ever seeking recognition. He was the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back without a second thought—and never speak a word of it. Over the years, he helped countless people in ways both seen and unseen, and in the days since his passing, his family has continued to hear from those whose lives he touched, often in ways they never knew about.
He had a dry sense of humor, a patient nature, and a remarkable ability to fix or build just about anything. In the little free time he allowed himself, Leroy enjoyed dove hunting with friends and taking drives along the back country roads he knew so well. He was strong and steady, a man who endured much in life without complaint. He never asked for help but was always the first to offer it. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, Leroy was preceded in passing by his wife, Elizabeth “Pixie” Collins, and his brother, Alan Collins. He is survived by his two sons, Leroy C. Collins and his wife Beth, and Carmel Collins; his five grandchildren: Carmel, Jr., Kyler, Katelyn, Gracelynn, and Asher; his three siblings: Joyce Morris, Sherman Collins and his wife Ruth, and Richard Collins and his wife Brenda; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, many friends and acquaintances.
A graveside service will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Line United Methodist Cemetery, 18725 Line Church Rd, Delmar, DE 19940, officiated by Rev. Leza Mitchell-Smack. There will be no visitation.
In honoring Leroy’s life and spirit, family and friends are invited to dress comfortably and casually. Celebration of life details will be announced at the end of the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be made to the Gumboro Volunteer Fire Company, 37030 Millsboro Highway, Millsboro, DE. 19966.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE HAVE ALL ARRANGEMENTS DELIVERED TO WATSON FUNERAL HOME, MILLSBORO, ON THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2026, BY 8:30AM.
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