Corby M. Collins

Corby was born in Methodist Hospital in Houston on January 11, 1960 to Bevelyn Davis Collins and Russell Eugene Collins. He was a 5th generation Texan and a graduate of Waltrip High School. Corby excelled in track and was awarded an athletic scholarship for pole vaulting to the University of Texas. At UT, he received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and was an active member of the UT Longhorn Letterman Foundation (T-Club). Always wanting to improve himself, he furthered his education with an MBA from Columbia Southern University.

In all aspects of his life, Corby strived to be the best. Beginning in 1983 at the Horne Company, he embarked on his extensive and successful career in commercial real estate and development, eventually continuing on to Cushman & Wakefield. While President of TPMC Realty and Development, he created a redevelopment plan for the Park Towers Buildings and created a unique plan incorporating The Edwards Theatres and supporting retail companies to enhance the value of the Innova Building, currently the Koch Building. These two projects earned him the honor of being a two-time recipient of the prestigious Landmark Award (formerly Legacy Award). Always an entrepreneur at heart, he was a principal in Urban Realty, Inc. and Director of Development at Jones Lang LaSalle. During his real estate development career, he completed over 15.7 million square feet of various projects.

In 2010, Corby changed hats and joined his wife, Angie, father-in-law Ken Wind and brother-in-law Kurt Wind at KW International. His education in mechanical engineering combined with his vast knowledge in commercial real estate, financial and contractual elements made him the perfect candidate to assist the executive team in the next phase of the company’s growth and development. Serving as KWI’s Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer, Corby was instrumental in taking the lead in business development, banking, finance, pre-legal, contracts and operations. He was a key contributor in facilitating the equity infusion by OFS in September, 2012. Corby’s many years of experience in engineering, real estate, financial, contractual and project management resulted in the ahead-of-schedule, under-budget completion of a state of the art manufacturing facility located in Columbus, TX.

Although Corby’s individual and business accomplishments were outstanding, he felt his greatest achievement and blessing was his wonderful family and their strong faith. He adored his loving wife of 25 years, Angela Wind Collins, a fellow UT grad. They enjoyed days together on the water, fishing and in other outdoor adventures. Their greatest joy was spending time with their kids. Corby absolutely cherished his two beautiful children, Conner Matthew Collins, age 19, and Cara Kelley Collins, age 16. He was so proud of Conner’s athletic, scholastic, and leadership awards received while attending Strake Jesuit College Preparatory and as well as his freshman year accomplishments at UT. He was looking forward to seeing Conner in his new position as cheerleader at a Longhorn game this fall.

Corby was equally as proud of Cara and would readily admit to being wrapped around her little finger, especially when she made him brownies every week. He was Cara’s personal track coach and would always sneak on the field to help her warm up. He was excited that he would be attending Strake Jesuit football games again; but instead of watching Conner score touchdowns, he would be watching Cara as a cheerleader for the varsity team. He found joy in his customary bedtime “good nights” with Cara and jam sessions in the car with both children. Corby delighted in attending every event in which Conner and Cara were involved and played a very active role in their lives.

Corby was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, uncle, son-in-law, brother-in-law and friend to many. Being a very early riser, he would call his mom, Bevelyn, in the morning just to chat and check on her. He would take four tacos to his dad, Russell, every Sunday afternoon, and not even complain (much) if he had to go back and get hot sauce. He loved all his family and actively lent a caring hand. Corby was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Minnie Lee Tart, and Anna Loretta Bell, and his uncle, William Collins. He was dearly loved by his big sister, Leah Collins Talhelm, her husband, John Talhelm and Corby’s nephew and Godson, Collin Talhelm, and niece, Jordan Talhelm. He leaves behind others he loved dearly—his wife’s parents, Ken and Carolyn Wind, brother-in-law Kurt Wind and wife, Jean Wind, brother-in-law Glen Wind and wife, Kim Wind, niece, Tiffany, and nephews, Ryan, Glen Allen, and Evan, along with many dear friends.

Corby will be deeply missed, but we know we will see him again in Heaven!

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16