David Glen Collins

David Collins, 67, passed on August 6, 2024. Born on August 15, 1956 in Evansville, Indiana, he is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Shirley Collins. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Sandra (Smith) Collins, sons Matthew Collinsmith (Adele) and Russell Collins (Rosie) and beautiful granddaughter Violet, as well as his younger sister Sheri (Collins) Barringer (Marty), nephew David Barringer, niece Stacy (Barringer) Smith (JD), great nephew Benjamin Smith and the many young men whose lives he touched. David was a 1974 graduate of Gar-field High School in Woodbridge, VA and a proud 1978 alumni of James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA, where he earned his BS in Geology. He loved his first job as a geologist in Albuquerque, NM. He met his soul mate and future wife Sandra, while earning his Masters degree in Geology at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA. Married in 1987, they later settled in Alexandria, VA where they raised their sons Matthew (Matt) and Russell (Russ). David grew up in Dale City, Virginia. He was very proud of his Marine Corps father, and was raised with the Corps’ values. He played Little League baseball, basketball and track. He played trumpet in the school band and played with a drum & bugle Corps. He was a sports photographer in high school for the school newspaper & enjoyed hanging out with his friends. He enjoyed swimming and spent a lot of time at the community pool with his sister. He was very active in his church and youth groups at Good Shepherd, UMC. Once he got his driver’s license, he gladly drove his sister and her friends everywhere in his VW. David was committed to doing his best at every position he held as a consultant and working for the Navy. He was very proud of being a geologist. David was a mentor to the young environmental geologists he worked with professionally and helped guide them in the beginning of their careers. He was employed at a few businesses over the years, ending his career working for the Navy, at the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC), from which he retired at the end of June of this year. He adored his wife Sandra and tolerated her idea of a fun hike, watching BritBox and just being together. When he had time, he loved chatting with folks. His sister tells that he would ask her when was a good time to call & she would be sure to schedule the call when she had at least 1 ½ hours available. Later on in life he took up radio controlled planes and helicopters as a way to relax and riding his bicycle. More than anything, he loved being a dad. He was always very active in the lives of Matt & Russ. If he wasn’t volunteering with their Scout troop, he was coaching one of their sports teams or cheering them on from the sidelines. He encouraged and pushed his sons to follow their passions, and was always involved in their activities, often being the first one to volunteer. The Collins door was (and continues to be) open to all of Matt and Russell’s friends. He always welcomed them into his home and treated them with the same respect, love and care as his own sons. To the boys he watched become men, he was a mentor and a friend. He was always there to listen to their problems, was always willing to offer advice, to help identify options, and guide but not make decisions. He was always proud of the young folks in his life and enjoyed watching them grow up. He was a wonderful Popop to his adorable first grandchild, Violet. His eyes lit up every time she walked into the room. He loved taking her for walks, teaching her silly things and just spending time with her. The family is planning an informal Life Celebration for all to celebrate Dave’s life on September 14, 2024 between 3 and 7 PM at: Thompson Community Center 6090 Kingstowne Village Parkway Kingstowne, VA 22315 In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in David’s memory to: Inova Health Foundation at: [https://join.inova.org/tribute?_gl=1*1s1jg15*_gcl_au*MTIzNjQ1MjQ5NC4xNzIzMjE1OTEy]

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David Glen Collins

August 15, 1956 - August 6, 2024