Gregory James Kollars "Smiley" of Midland, Texas passed away on Dec 31, 2022 in a single motorcycle accident in Goliad, TX at 65 years old.

Greg was born in LaMesa, California on June 20, 1957 to Noel and Helen Kollars. His family moved to South Dakota where he was raised on a farm near Tabor. He graduated in 1975 from Tyndall-Tabor High School. After graduation, Greg found himself in Bonesteel driving semi-truck for Jerome Koenig then for Gary Vogt while raising his children Jason and Angala. He then worked as a mechanic for Vogt's Repair until he started his own business, Kollars Repair.

Greg has always been very active in the community. His faith was strong and was shown by his love of serving God. He had strong ties with the Immaculate Conception Church where he taught CCD and was active in Quest where he went on many retreats with the youth. He was a member of the Bonesteel-Fairfax Knights of Columbus where he served as a Grand Knight. He was a training officer while serving the Bonesteel Fire Department. He served on the Ambulance Crew as an EMT.

Greg's outgoing personality and work ethic led him to a calling to accept an offer from JJ Hunter. During the last 17 years as an Engineering Specialist this venture moved him to several drilling sights from Texas to North Dakota, back to Goliad, Texas and finally to his current residence in Midland, Texas. Wherever he hung his hat, he left his residence refurbished, remodeled, and in better condition than when he first walked in the door. He never left a job undone and even with the demanding hours of the oil field jobs he still found the time to make everything at home run smoothly. On any given day you could find him on his hands and knees, with trowel in hand, ridding his property of Texas Sandburs.

After many years apart, Greg was blessed to be able to be reunited with Sherri Schmitz. They dated 30 some years earlier and decided to go their separate ways only to be brought back together again. They had a love like no other. Greg and Sherri were united in marriage on February 6, 2021. She joined him in Midland, Texas where they resided until his death.

Greg has always had a passion for riding and collecting Harleys.  He loved to read and go to auctions which lead to an extensive library collection among many other things. When he wasn't working he loved to check in with family and friends, even going as far as building a guest house for them to stay in. He also enjoyed filling his time tinkering with his Harleys, gardening, doing puzzles and whatever projects Sherri tossed his way.

Greg was preceded in death by his parents Noel and Helen Kollars; sister-in-law Kathy Kollars, and niece Mikayla Waggoner.

Greg is survived by his wife Sherri, of Midland, TX; brother Mike Kollars, of McCook, SD; sister Mary Jo (Rockey) Waggoner of Yankton, SD; brother John (Linda) Kollars of Bronson, IA; son Jason Kollars of Sioux Falls, SD; daughter Angela Kollars Zack of Brandon, SD; and grandchildren Richard Bibb and Chase Zach both of Brandon, SD; along with many nieces and nephews.

Funeral for Greg Kollars, age 65, of Midland, Texas and formerly of Bonesteel, SD  will be held on Saturday , January 14, 2023 at 10:30 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Bonesteel, SD.  Burial will be in the St. Mary's Cemetery, Bonesteel, SD.  There will be a prayer service on Friday at 7:00 PM at the Church.  Visitation will be one hour prior to both services at the Church.