Ernie grew up on a farm in Travis County, approximately seven miles southeast of Austin, Texas. The farm, located on Dee Gabrial Collins Road, has been owned and operated by members of the Collins family since the late 1800’s and has been recognized by the state of Texas. He is one of 11 children born to Ella and the late Talferd Collins. Hard work and education were top priorities for the family and all the children were supported and encouraged to take full advantage of educational opportunities. As a result, all 11 children graduated from high school and all attended college.
Ernie attended Prairie View A&M University where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and has additional studies toward an MBA at Texas Southern University. At Prairie View, he also enrolled in the advanced ROTC program and upon graduation was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. While at Prairie View, Ernie met the lady of his dreams, Floretta Brown. Prior to reporting for officer’s basic training in artillery at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, Ernie and Flo were married in her hometown of Bay City, Texas.
Ernie served two years in the Army as a training officer at Fort Ord, California. He was discharged as a 1st Lieutenant in 1969. Also in 1969, he joined Humble Oil and Refinery Company, now ExxonMobil in Denver, Colorado. Ernie worked in various marketing staff and management positions and in 2003, he retired after 34 years of service.
Ernie is actively involved in the community as he serves as a Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo director, a member of the advisory board for the Rodeo Institute for Teacher Excellence, member of the Prairie View A&M University Capital Campaign Cabinet, member of the board of directors for the H.S. Estelle 4-H and Youth Camp, advisor to the Farm Service Agency County Committee for Harris and Montgomery County and a member of the Land Owners Association of Texas. Ernie and Flo are strong supporters of youth and education and have established scholarship funds at Prairie View A&M University and Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.
Ernie and Flo are the proud parents of three children, Leslie Collins-Thompson (Rod), Todd Jamal (Jeanelle), and Daryl Donovan (deceased). They are also proud grandparents of five: Taylor, Ross and Brooke Thompson, Sydney Rose Collins and Ella Gabrielle Collins.
In retirement, Ernie’s top priorities are spending time at the ranch with family and working with his grandchildren.
Copyright © 2009-2012 Prairie View A&M Foundation
Several images courtesy PVAMU.
