Ray H. Collins, 90, of Batesville, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. He was born on February 7, 1936, in Knott County, Kentucky, the son of William and Ethel (née Young) Collins.
On September 28, 1957, Ray married Janice Huneke, who survives.
A 1953 graduate of Napoleon High School, Ray began his career working for Hillenbrand Industries and National Lead at Fernald, Ohio. In 1957, following their marriage, he and Janice moved to Shelbyville, Indiana, where they resided for 46 years. Ray went to work for Ford Motor Company and enjoyed a distinguished 41-year career before retiring.
An avid bird watcher, Ray carried binoculars with him wherever he went. He cherished weekends at their cabin, “Sleepy Hollow,” located in the woods near Batesville. Each summer, he and Janice spent their vacation at a fly-in fishing camp in Canada. They also enjoyed RV travel with friends, camping, and bird hunting with his beloved English Pointer, “Spike.” Together, they joined the Ambassador Flying Club and vacationed at resorts across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Spain. In 1979, Ray earned his private pilot’s license and, with a partner, purchased a Piper Cherokee 140 aircraft.
In 2003, Ray and Janice retired to his family home south of Batesville, which they had previously purchased and remodeled. Ray transformed the farm into a natural wildlife area, adding ponds and planting native grasses. He enjoyed quiet evenings relaxing on the back deck with a glass of wine.
Upon retirement, they became “snowbirds,” spending 17 winters in Chokoloskee Island near Everglades City, Florida. Their snowbirding came to an end in 2017 when Hurricane Irma destroyed their RV. Ray also found great enjoyment in retirement playing golf with the “Monday Group,” visiting a different golf course each week.
Ray was a longtime member of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Batesville. He was also a member of the Sons of the American Legion and the Fraternal Order of the Eagles.
He is survived by his wife, Janice; his brother, Darol Collins; and his sister, Debbie Dieckmann.
In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his brother, Palmer Collins, and his sisters, Sue Gutapfel and Judy Groves.
Visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. A memorial service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Jill K. Campbell officiating. Burial will take place at Adams Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ripley County Humane Society or the IU Kidney Cancer Research Fund. Contributions may be brought to the service or mailed to Meyers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 202, Batesville, IN 47006.
Family and friends may share memories or messages of comfort for Ray’s family in the online guestbook at www.meyersfuneralhomes.com.