Raymond Joseph Collins was born on October 21, 1935 to Victor and Hazel Collins in Opelousas, Louisiana. He was baptized on October 26, 1935 by the Holy Cross Church in Louisiana. In the early 40's, the family relocated to Mallett, Louisiana and then Beaumont, Texas.

After completing his education, he studied and became a truck driver. Raymond married, Bernadine Frilot in 1954, and to that union, seven children were born. Raymond became an exceptional truck driver as an employee for Coca Cola Enterprise and then DSI Tanker, in Beaumont. In 1987, Raymond relocated to Los Angeles, California, where he was employed with Logistics Transportation, LLC, until his retirement in 2000.

During his residence in California, he met and married, Margie A. Anderson in 1990 and through this union, he inherited another daughter. After retirement they both became "globetrotters" traveling to various places and enjoying the company of one another. He also loved to cook, keep up with the latest news and truly enjoyed the cartoon channel network as well as family gatherings. He was lovingly known as "POPS" by many.

Raymond is preceded in death by his parents; Victor and Hazel Collins and former wife, Bernadine Frilot-Collins; sons, Charles 'Kenneth' Collins and Raymond G. 'Booster' Collins; daughter, Sheila Collins; sister, Aurelia McCarthy; brother, Marshall Collins; granddaughters, Sheilon Collins and Jacqueline Collins.

Raymond leaves to continue his legacy, his wife, Margie A. Collins, five children, James Brandon Collins (Miranda); Sandra McFadden; Benjamin Collins (Lillian); Mary Barclay (Arthur) and Erika Anderson. Fourteen grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. A special acknowledgement to his Aunts, Lucy Thibodeau and Elder Kennerson.