My sincerest condolences to Ray’s Mother, his partner of many years, and his family. Ray was very loyal who’s friends and my memories of him is his candor, he didn’t hide it if he wanted to get his point across

We met in 2003  coincidentally he was looking for a salesperson at Peachtree Ford who’d left without telling him and we got to know one another, I miss him already 

Loving memories 

Crista McMullen

My condolences to the family.  Ray was a very humble and caring man.  I will truly miss him .💔

Chief Collins was an original and loved people. As the Dean of Students at Carver College, I personally know he was supportive of everyone and everything at the school. His officers respected him , staff appreciated and loved him, and students respected him once they got to know him. I want to thank his family for sharing him with the world and how he was instrumental and impactful in policing in Atlanta, the King Center, his security company, and Carver College. Cheers to a life well lived!

I’m sorry to hear about Ray..  I work at Longhorn in buckhead he was one of our regular guest once or twice a week..  always smiling, always happy cheerful..  my condolences to his whole family

I’ve known Ray for several years. He was always  encouraging and uplifting.  He is missed, I miss him. Prayers and condolences to everyone in his circle. 
Rest in peace Brother.

It would be fair to say that when I first met Ray I knew we be friends from the start. My friend, the counselor, the confidant, the big brother, and mentor.  This man helped me at my lowest and celebrated with me in my wins. The tears I shed are for me because I will miss my friend. The peace I feel is because his not suffering.  My friend Ray lived a full life with friends and family that loved him. I rejoice in his life and all the good he did while has with us. Rest in power my friend.

Alan,
Hector and I are so sorry for your loss. Ray was a wonderful man and we are so thankful that we got to know to him. 
He will be truly missed..
Love to you and his mom Betty

Love You  Ray and You will be truly missed..

I was saddened to hear of Ray’s passing.  I'm so fortunate to have had the opportunity to speak with him a few weeks ago.  I called him inquiring about the time shares in South Carolina.  He informed me that they sold them. I shared
 with him that we needed to have a get together soon, and he said that he would let me know about something during Christmas holiday. I said it needs to be before the holiday season.  So here it is…fly high Ray… we will cherish the memories.

Cris

To the family from the Winkler family. 

Our deepest condolences.  
I only met you once but had known you for years. You were a caring and nice person. May GOD bless you and your family during this transition. 

Charles and Sandi Winkler

Ray will be greatly missed. He was always so kind, welcoming and soft spoken. Sending his family and friends our sincerest condolences. Rest well friend. Until we meet again. 🏳️‍🌈💜

My deepest condolences goes out to the family he was such a nice person his presence will surely be miss Rest in peace my Piccadilly friend 🧡 😢😢 with Love Angela Rowe

I only met Ray last September but immediately became fond of him and his spirit. I enjoyed my time with him at the wedding events- he was sweet, funny, and I sensed a little devilish in the best possible way.  I wish I had more time to build more memories with him. My heart breaks for Alan, Ray’s mother Betty, and all of Ray’s family and friends.  You’ll all remain in my thoughts.

Ray was truly one of a kind, and I cherished our friendship more than words can express. With a heart of gold, he was always there to lend a hand to anyone in need. His zest for life was contagious, leaving a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

We first crossed paths in 1997 when I went to visit Pat, an Atlanta police officer working security at the bar. From that day forward, Ray became an unforgettable part of my life. I’ll forever hold close the memories of our trips to Cancun, our spontaneous adventures to Cherokee, and all the countless moments that filled 25 years of friendship. I could write a book with the stories we shared!

Ray, I love you to the moon and back. Until we meet again, soar high, my friend. Rest in peace.

My Condolences and Prayers are with the family and the Carver College PD.

Such a gentle giant of a man. A gentleman in every sense of the word. His word was as good as gold. God bless you Allen and Betty.

Ray was a trailblazer and inimitable.  It is absolutely impossible to gauge the impact he had on so many people’s lives here in metro Atlanta, both in law enforcement, in the LGBTQ community.  He was famous for lifting people up when they were down and giving them second and third chances.  He was always kind and good to me and I loved him massively.  He was a phenomenal friend, a great police chief, a secret benefactor to many, a closet comedian, a steadfast ally, a soul like none other.  I love you, Ray.  Thank you for all you did for me and Tony.  Our lives are better precisely because of you.  Since you never did let me treat you to lunch, I’m going to pay it forward in some other way in honor of you.  I will miss you and your encouraging words, your laugh, your presence, your warmth, your dependability, your kindness.  Thank you, my beloved friend.

J. D. Davis

I am so shocked and saddened by the loss of such a wonderful man.  My heart goes out to Betty and Alan. A true giant in the Atlanta community!  Fly high, Ray!

May the Lord send an angel to lead Ray to his next destination safety while he is comforted by the Holy Spirit.  He sure has touched many hearts in this life. My condolences,  to all those who love Ray. 
              
                                                      - Sherry Gant

Alan, so sorry for your loss, and Rays Mothers loss, Know that you are both in my thoughts and prayers, daily, I love you ! So very thankful you came into our lives!

OBITUARY

Raymond Collins

December 1, 1960 – September 7, 2024

H.M. Patterson & Son-Oglethorpe Hill Chapel

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