Cover photo for John C Collins Jr's Obituary
John C Collins Jr Profile Photo
1948 John 2017

John C Collins Jr

December 20, 1948 — July 14, 2017

Professional funny car driver of the Pioneer Electronics "Audio Express", John Cloyd Collins, Jr. died on Friday, July 14, 2017, at the age of 68 at the Claremore Indian Hospital. A family gathering is scheduled from 3:00 pm until 5:00 pm, Sunday, July 30 at MMS-Payne Funeral Home.

Son of John Cloyd Collins, Sr and Shirley Lou Neal-Collins, John was born December 20, 1948 in Downey California.

His father, John Cloyd Collins, Sr., was one of the pioneers of the racing sport and developed his son’s love of racing from an early age. John has been involved in drag racing since he was five years old, when he began as a member of his father's pit crew. He was a professional driver and one of the top Funny Car drivers in the country, a member of the National Hot Rod Association and American Hot Rod Association. A career spanning from 1964 to 1986 produced many race records and achievements such as: Establishing 28 track records in all parts of the country; Top speed record of 209.78 m.p.h.; runner-up in Hang Ten Funny Car program at Orange County International Raceway, won 2 NHRA Division 7 races; Won several AHRA Nationals and Grand Nationals races, and set several track records throughout his career with major sponsors such as Pioneer Electronics, JVC, and Tom Mongoose McEwen. After retiring from racing and moving to Claremore, he worked for Suburban Chevrolet for 15 years. He enjoyed fishing, his children and being with family, friends, his poodles Ozzie and Isabell, and of course keeping up with the racing scene.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Terry and Randy Collins, and brother-in-law Claude.

He is survived by his son John C. Collins, III, Daughter Meagan Collins, Brothers Greg Collins and wife Nancy, a sister Wynell Boudreaux, and nephew Robbie Blanchette and wife Jane and children.


View and sign John's online tribute at www.mmsfuneralhomes.com
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John C Collins Jr, please visit our flower store.

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