Timothy Garland Collins, an award-winning filmmaker, died on Sept. 8, 2026 at his home in Atlanta, Ga. He was 37.
Tim was born on Oct. 10, 1988, and grew up in Atlanta. His enduring passion, beginning at an early age, was filmmaking. As soon as he could hold a video camera, he was making films. He started with his neighborhood friends, and later attended the Art Institute of Atlanta, where he graduated with a B.A. in digital filmmaking, magna cum laude. During his college years he made several short films that were exhibited at dozens of film festivals around the world (including the Cannes Film Festival), and won numerous awards. He excelled at every aspect of filmmaking, from screenwriting, casting, and set design to directing, photographing, and editing. He even created posters and DVD art for his films. Most recently, he was working on a screenplay that he hoped to develop into an independent feature film.
Tim was also a student of film history, with an almost encyclopedic knowledge — from classic films to contemporary films, including many foreign-language films. Watching a film with Tim was always a special experience, since he could provide a sophisticated commentary track for just about any film.
His knack for turning ordinary moments into memorable ones extended beyond his films. Tim’s quick wit drew people in. He connected with others through humor, creating countless shared memories and lasting joy.
Tim loved animals, too, and had a special affinity for cats. For a time, he worked as a volunteer at an animal shelter. He was assigned the cats because he could relate to them better than any of the permanent staff.
The members of Tim’s extended family (great-grandparents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins, from as far away as Australia and Austria) have a century-old tradition of gathering each summer on Martha’s Vineyard. Tim especially enjoyed those annual visits, and developed strong bonds with his many cousins, who would keep in touch throughout the year. He knew that he was part of a large, extended family who cared deeply about him. He also enjoyed photographing the wildlife and natural beauty of the Island.
Tim was a gentle soul, who left a legacy of kindness and compassion wherever he went. His passing was unexpected and all too soon. The world of his family and friends is now sadly diminished, but they will cherish his memory and the many blessings he provided them.
Tim was predeceased by his grandparents, E.B. Collins and Judith M. Collins of Edgartown, and John L. Garland and Paula J. Garland of Atlanta. He is survived by his parents, Steven M. Collins and Anne G. Collins of Edgartown; and his sister, Erin Marie Collins, and her partner, Anthony Parton, his nephew, Calvin E. Collins, and his nieces, Cassidy L. Collins and Courtney M. Collins of Melbourne, Australia.
A memorial service is planned for July 2027 in Edgartown.
