Samuel Jesse Collins, affectionately known to family and friends as “Wolfman,” passed away on June 5, 2026, at the age of 70. He was born on December 20, 1955, to the late Cecil Collins Sr. and Helen S. Collins.

Sam was a lifelong resident of Covington, Louisiana, and was known for his free spirit, kind heart, and easygoing nature. A hippie at heart, he lived life on his own terms and enjoyed making people laugh with his sense of humor and storytelling. He never met a stranger and had a way of making others feel welcome. Above all, Sam loved his family deeply and treasured the time he spent with those closest to him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil Collins Sr. and Helen S. Collins; his son, Samuel Jesse Collins II; and his siblings, Duke Gerald Collins, Nellie Jo Leveque, Cecil Collins Jr., Robert Collins Sr., and Cammie Ann Peneguy.

Sam is survived by his children, Christopher Cody Collins and Amy Beckes; Matthew Thomas Collins-Anderson and husband, Christopher Anderson; and his daughter-in-law, Katie B. Collins, widow of Samuel Jesse Collins II. He is also survived by his sister, Tammy Lewko and husband, Craig Lewko. Sam and Tammy shared a particularly close bond throughout their lives, and their love for one another was evident to all who knew them. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Pamela Spano Collins, widow of Duke G. Collins.

He leaves behind four beloved grandchildren: Tre’ Cody Collins, Haily Rae Collins, Aubree Jo Collins, and Savanna Elizabeth Collins, all of whom brought him tremendous pride and joy.

Sam shared more than 30 years of marriage with Barbara Rowe Collins, the mother of his children and the love of his life. Together they built a family and created many cherished memories. Later in life, Sam met and married Sue Jones. Both Barbara and Sue played meaningful roles in his life’s journey, and he remained grateful for the family and relationships that enriched his years.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at The Rivers Retreat Center, 14253 Highway 190, Covington, Louisiana 70433.

“Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day.”