William R. Collins

William R. "Bilbo" CollinsEasley

The sun rose on the life of William Roy "Bilbo" Collins on September 3, 1946 in Pickens County. He was a son of the late Gonsalvo Cotobus and Clara Isabella Collins. On Monday, June 27, 2016, after a short battle with cancer, the sun set on the life of our dear Bilbo, as he was affectionately known, at the Charles George VA Valor Hospice, transcending him from earthly labor to his heavenly reward.

He was predeceased by a brother, Michael Austin; a grandson, Alvarez O. Brown; and a special friend, Linda Gail Blandin.

Bilbo was a graduate of Clearview High School, Class of 1964. As an avid lover of baseball, he played on the local team called the Easley Browns.

In 1966 he joined the United States Army, proudly serving in such tours as the Vietnam War Effort with the 1st Air Cavalry Infantry Division. After the first enlistment had ended, he decided to reenlist again. Only to return to Vietnam once more. He was honorably discharged in 1972.

Bilbo was a life-long active member of Easley Chapel United Methodist Church where in 1997 he founded the annual Memorial Day Program, that still currently takes place today. He was a member of the VFW Post No. 6734 in Greenville, SC, and also a member of the American Legion Post No. 52 in Easley, SC where he held the office of 1st Vice Commander. At the Veteran's Center in Greenville, he fellowshipped in a group atmosphere weekly with other Veterans. He loved and admired this group of men of whom he shared the same life experiences. He affectionately referred to them as his brothers. Bilbo, without fail, was available to march in local parades, festivals and events that honored soldiers and their sacrifices proudly bearing the US Flag.

He leaves to cherish and embrace wonderful and loving memories; three sons, William Randall (Creshenda) Ferguson of Easley, SC, Kenneth Lloyd (Wanda) Ferguson of Portsmouth, VA, and William Roy Collins, Jr. of Wildflecken, Germany; two daughters, Andrea Victoria Kirksey-Hatton of Greenville, SC, and Diana Lynn Collins-Hubler of Wildflecken, Germany; also a son-in-law, Eric Shawn Hatton. Bilbo has ten grandchildren, Chanti Kirksey, Danielle Hatton, Oscar Bennett, Olivia Bennett, Zyanna Woodruff, Brandy Ferguson, Deja Ferguson, Allivian Ferguson, and also a grandson and granddaughter in Wildflecken, Germany; he also has three great-grandchildren, Isaiah, Keenan and Serenity. He also has one goddaughter, Juanita Collins. Bilbo has two surviving siblings, Charles C. (Doris) Collins of Stockbridge, GA, and Fred D. Collins of Easley, SC; and he has two sisters-in-law, Rev. Dr. Betty Collins and Margarite Austin; his uncle, Charles E. Hamilton; a cousin whose closer than a sister, Elizabeth Gramblin of Easley; also a best friend, Sgt. Major Jyrel W. Henderson; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Bilbo was well loved and known by many. He has touched so many lives leading by example. Bilbo was the epitome of bravery, strength, resolve and courage in his convictions. He was honorable and loyal, with the heart and strength of a lion and the gentleness of a kitten. He loved his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and brothers so much. To everyone he was Bilbo, to some Bill, but to us he was our very own hero, our mighty man of valor. Courageous to the end.

A service to celebrate the life of Bilbo will be 2:00 PM Saturday, July 2, 2016 at Rock Springs Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Easley, SC with military honors.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:45 PM Saturday at the church, prior to the service.

A repasse will be held following burial at the Easley Chapel United Methodist Church fellowship hall, 215 North 2nd Street, Easley, SC 29640.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.