Idle American: Clowning around for 52 years

The expression about an ill wind blowing no good goes back almost five centuries. Just 52 years ago, however, a true-life example occurred at what seemed to be an unlucky turn of event at a Justin, Texas, rodeo.

Dr. Ronny Collins and wife Terri met for the first time, huddling with others in a generator-lighted concession stand as arena lights darkened when a truck backed into a power pole. A Weatherford High School sophomore at the time, she rode bulls for four years, the same number that Ronny spent facing raging bulls as a rodeo clown.

His prayer in those days was to successfully distract bulls, get out of their way and help with Tarleton State University expenses. Hers was to stay atop the beasts for at least eight seconds before taking her leave.

They dated for two years before marriage, her at 19, him at 22. The couple faced life’s headwinds head-on, building on the bedrock of biblical instruction, full of energy, abundant faith and Christian values.

He taught at Grandview, then Rio Vista, driving to night classes at Tarleton, where he earned two degrees. Then it was on to Stillwater, Oklahoma, for Oklahoma State University summer classes leading to his doctorate in education and a 22-year career as a school superintendent.

They lived in a well-worn mobile home for several years. He taught three years at Southwest Texas State University, then another three as San Marcos ISD vocational director. Ronny was superintendent of schools in Wellington (1989-1997), Jacksboro (1997-2003), Snyder (2003-2008) and Mineral Wells (2008-2012).

Terri was secretary for the high school principal, taking college classes here and there whenever possible. She piecemealed her higher education pilgrimage en route to a bachelor’s degree at Tarleton in 2003, having attended seven higher education institutions, then served as an elementary school teacher for nine years prior to their retirement.

Friends marvel at how Ronny and Terri balanced rigorous schedules without compromising their strong commitment to parenting.

With the biblical “train-up-a-child-in-the-way-he-should-go” guidance, they shared their mobile home with two sons in the early years.

Ronny “clowned” at rodeos until their marriage, but has remained close friends with his fellow “tricksters.” (Sudden thought: Reckon how many superintendents have doctoral degrees, been rodeo clowns and can juggle chainsaws?)

With grease paint, ballooning pants and fake noses now closeted, the retired couple still attends annual Rodeo Clown Reunions. And, he’s always been interested in developing new acts, even if for his own amusement.

At age 60, he learned to juggle chainsaws “with them ‘arunnin’.” Still fully-limbed, he admits to practicing the juggling act only when Terri was out of earshot.

Their sons have come a long way by all standards. They were outstanding academically and athletically, both playing football at Jacksboro High School and Howard Payne University.

Dr. Brad Collins is now a Midlothian chiropractor, and wife Kandace, a Grandview dentist. Dr. Todd Collins and wife Amy live in Waco and he commutes daily to his Groesbeck dental practice. She homeschools their three children, and last fall, Todd coached a homeschoolers’ undefeated football team whose 16-0 record won state.

Now living near Grandview, Ronny and Terri are deeply involved in the lives of their sons and families, and stay busy with church, school and community events.

Many retired school superintendents aren’t steady enough to open a jelly jar, much less juggle chainsaws. Terri remains 100 percent supportive, even if she hears chainsaws buzzing.

Ronny, still sporting a warm smile that any clown and the rest of us should strive to emulate, has put aside professional pursuits, as has Terri. They now are busy at grandparenting, him with a camera aimed at grandchildren and her with a welcoming lap for the grands: Brad’s Carter, Codi and Kenna, and Todd’s Tred, Cy and Adelyn.

In the fence row of life, Dr. Ronny and Terri Collins are corner posts, committed to carrying more than their share of the load.

Dr. and Mrs. Newbury, married for almost 60 years, reside in the Metroplex. Speaking inquiries, newbury@speakerdoc.com, phone 817-692-5625.

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