Rev. Ronald Allen Collins was a man of faith. He entered the gates of heaven late Sunday evening March 12, 2006. Rev. Ronald Allen Collins was a man of faith. He entered the gates of heaven late Sunday evening March 12, 2006. Ronald was born to Helen and Boyd Collins in Blanco, Texas on November 22, 1941. He grew up in Johnson City with his sister, Judy, and graduated from Dripping Springs High School. He was known in high school as ?crazy legs? for his abilities in track. After graduating from high school, he attended mechanics school in Kansas City, Missouri and then returned to Texas to work for the Highway Department. While working for the highway department, he met Ida Mae Printy (Collins) best known around Austin for her 29 years of devoted service to A.I.S.D.?s Transportation Department, aka ?The Best Bus Driver in Austin, Texas?. Ronald and Ida were married for 39 years and are proud South Austinites. During their years together, they were blessed with 3 beautiful..and I mean beautiful..daughters-Ronda, Amy, and Amber. In 1996 Ronald retired from the City where he proudly painted the streets of Austin. His true love in life besides his family were the Bible, his dogs, cars, gospel music, coffee, Fox News, politics and history. He was a Ford fanatic, from the time he bought and restored his 1966 Ford Mustang, to his current Ford pick-up truck parked out in the driveway. ?Butch? (as so many people called him) was a true home body in every sense of the word. The neighbors knew him as the neighborhood watch on his 4-wheeled scooter with Sally Socks, his 13 year old 1 ® pound teacup Chihuahua by his side. For vacations he preferred the Take It Easy RV Park in Kerville. He and Ida would take their RV, grandbabies, nieces, and nephews and explore the town! One of the most memorable vacations was a cruise with his entire family in 2003. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Ida Collins and their 3 daughters, Ronda Gray (husband Kelly Gray), Amy Collins-Mills (husband Johnny Mills) and Amber Collins (flying solo). Also, by his mother Helen Collins, sister Judy Shields, and his beloved dogs Sally Socks and Pierre Jean-Claude. Grandpa ?Butchie? leaves behind many precious grandchildren?Ronald Erich Dahlke, Ellary Peyton Dahlke, Dahlton Thomas Mills, Jason Gray, Adam Gray, and Alison Gray, and was a great grandpa to William Gray. He also had many nephews and nieces that were like grandchildren to him?(isn?t that right Blake, Blair, Brandon, Ashley, and Kathleen..?) The family would like to thank their life long doctor- Dr. L.E. Arnold. Also, Dr. William Deaton, Dr. Hine, Texas Neurological Rehabilitation Center, and Vista Hospice for their excellent medical care. Visitation with the family will be Thursday March 16th, 2006 from 7-9pm. Funeral services will be held Friday March 17th at 10am at Mission Funeral Home Serenity Chapel on 6204 South First St. Burial will follow at Round Mountain Cemetery outside of Johnson City off Hwy 281. He loved the Texas Hill Country, and his father and other family members are also buried at Round Mountain. Ronald-You were the love of my life! To our Dearest Dad, Every time we smell coffee brewing, we?ll think of you. Every time we pass an antique car on the road, we will smile for you. Every time we eat Honeynut Cheerios with soy milk, we will save some for you. Every night before we go to sleep we will say a prayer for you. We love you Dad! Memorials Contributions in Ronald's memory can be made to the following organizations: Vista Care Foundation 7800 Shoal Creek Blv. Suite 130W Austin, Texas 78757 (512) 453-4144 Living Faith Baptist Church 1007 W. Ditmar Road Austin, Texas 78745 (512) 441-7950