Gary Leon Collins, 80, passed away on June 28 ^th .

Gary Leon Collins, born to Leon and Maude Cone Collins on August 30, 1939 in Tulsa, OK. The family lived in Sapulpa, OK until they moved to Eloy, AZ when Gary was in the 6 ^th grade. He graduated from Santa Cruz Valley Union High School in 1958. He served in the U.S. Navy. He obtained degrees from ASU, U of A, and Nova University. He had a long and varied career with the Apache Junction Unified School District as a teacher, coach, counselor, Principal, and Assistant Superintendent.

He loved his family and his weekly golf days with his buddies.

He is survived by his wife, JoAnne Clarke Collins, daughter, Carrie White (Tim), and daughter Aubrey Kopp (Jeff). Grandchildren Maddie White, Devin White, Hudson Kopp, and Dawson Kopp.

He will be missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and former students.

Services are to be scheduled at a later date.