Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Billy Collins Obituary
Nashville - Age 80, January 9, 2018. He retired from Yellow Freight; was a World Champion Professional Boxer and was loved by all who knew him. Preceded in death by son, Billy Ray Collins, Jr. Survived by his wife of 60 years, Bettye Collins; children, Ann (Mike) Scott, Edmond Lacy Collins & Amy (Jason) Irvine; grandchildren, Shea Crow, Brent (Jenny) Crow, Alisha Collins, Alyssa (Ryan) Allen, Logan Allen & Tyler (Brianna) Allen; great grandchildren, David (Hannah), Hailey, Adrienne & Devin Ivy, Jordan Crow, Kris Richardson, Anthony Collins, & Sonny Ray Wolcott; great-great grandson due April 24, 2018; sister, Charlene (Rev. Norman) Corley; sister-in-law, Evelyn (Lyle) Cook; and nieces, nephews & friends. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, January 13, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. at Woodbine Funeral Home, HICKORY CHAPEL, 5852 Nolensville Road, by Danny Sellers. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. Grandsons & Great-Grandsons will serve as Pallbearers. Visitation Friday from 2-8 p.m. & Saturday from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Woodbine Funeral Home, Hickory Chapel Directors 615-331-1952 Still Family Owned.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Billy Collins
Sponsored by Woodbine Funeral Home - Hickory Chapel.
Joby Saad
November 22, 2024
It's rare that week would go by, that I don't mention Billy Ray Collins Sr and jr. I went to school with his son, Billy Sr trained me to box. I like to brag that I spared and was beat up by the greatest, Billy Ray Collins. The weeks I spent with Billy jr and sr have prepared me for life. Thank you for all you have done and inspired. Many Blessings,
Wally Kane
April 8, 2024
Followed the whole story when on the USS New Orleans with my good friend Lacy. My sincere condolences he seemed a good man! Wally Kane.
Jay Parkhurst
May 16, 2021
I have tremendous respect for the man who helped shape my life. He was a leader, mentor and respected by all. It was an honor to have been trained by him, and to watch him train others.
Joby Saad
August 27, 2019
Thank you Mr. Collins for teaching me and so many neighborhood kids how to box. How to throw a punch, how to be a man. The love and pride you had for your son and the love and respect he had for you has carried me through life. RIPBillyRayCollinsSR
January 6, 2019
My sincere condolences and prayers. I hope you find comfort soon
Nancy Collins-Hansen
January 19, 2018
Dearest Uncle Billy,
I loved you dearly. You were such a great uncle to me. Always, smiling and happy. I will surely miss your beautiful smile.
I will remember always when you and Aunt Betty visited me the night before I was to have open heart surgery at the young age of 25 years old. You wheeled me around the hospital laughing and acting silly just to keep my mind off surgery the next morning.
Boy, did my daddy get such a special birthday present when he laid eyes on you, his brother, at the pearly gates on his birthday, January 9th. I know you two are having a time of your life together right now.
Aunt Betty and Cousin Ann, I know you will miss him as all of us will, but he is happy and looking forward to his family and all of us being together again one day.
Love you Uncle Billy,
your Niece, Nancy
Nancy Collins-Hansen
January 19, 2018
Uncle Billy, I loved you dearly. You were such a great uncle to me. Always, smiling and happy. I will surely miss your beautiful smile.
I will remember always when you and Aunt Betty visited me the night before I was to have open heart surgery at the young age of 25 years old. You wheeled me around the hospital laughing and acting silly just to keep my mind off of my surgery the next morning.
Boy, did my daddy get such a special birthday present when he laid eyes on you, his brother, at the pearly gates on his birthday, January 9th.
I know you two are having a time of your life together right now.
Aunt Betty and Cousin Ann, I know you will miss him as all of us will, but he is happy and looking forward to his family and all of us being together again one day.
Love you Uncle Billy,
your Niece, Nancy
January 19, 2018
Uncle Billy, I loved you dearly. You were such a great uncle to me. Always, smiling and happy. I will surely miss your beautiful smile.
I will remember always, when you and Aunt Betty visited me the night before I was to have open heart surgery at the young age of 25 years old. You wheeled me around the hospital laughing and acting silly just to keep my mind off of my surgery the next morning.
Boy, did my daddy get such a special birthday present when he laid eyes on you, his brother, at the pearly gates on his birthday, January 9th.
I know you two are having a time of your life together right now.
Aunt Betty and Cousin Ann, I know you will miss him as all of us will, but he is happy and looking forward to his family and all of us being together again one day.
Love you Uncle Billy,
your Niece, Nancy
Debbie Suttmiller
January 13, 2018
Ann your Dad was a great man. He made me laugh. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. Hold tight to the memories. Love you, Rod and Debbie
Bubba Moore
January 12, 2018
My Thoughts And Prayers Are With You. Uncle Billy Will Be Missed But Not Forgotten. Love You All And Miss You All.
Bubba Moore
January 12, 2018
My Thoughts And Prayers Are With You. Uncle Billy Will Be Greatly Missed. Love You All And Miss You All.
Shelley Hazelwood
January 12, 2018
Prayers for your family.
January 12, 2018
He always made me smile, beautiful person. I send my love and condolences to Aunt Betty and the whole family. Paula Remai Stone
Stella & G.C. Hixson
January 12, 2018
Ann, we are thinking of you and Mike and family. We are glad that we got to meet your Dad. It was always a pleasure to talk with him! Take care!
Stella and G.C.
January 12, 2018
Note of Sympathy to daughter Ann:
Just wanted to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers. A friend from the past - Barbara Briley.
Betty James
January 12, 2018
I love you all, he was a wonderful man. I don't know what I would have done with out him ,he helped me out many times. Bettye and all the family if you need me for any thing let me know. I am sorry for your loss. Betty Adams James
Jeanne Hoechst
January 11, 2018
Thoughts and prayers are with you, Bettye, and your family. Billy was larger than life front porch neighbor and we will miss him.
Matthew Collins
January 11, 2018
You will always be in our hearts and minds we love you uncle
mary miller
January 11, 2018
my dearest uncle billy i will miss you so much life will not be the same without you......I love you with all my heart.. your favorite marylee
Showing 1 - 22 of 22 results
Make a Donation
in Billy Collins's name
Memorial Events
for Billy Collins
Jan
12
Visitation
2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Woodbine Funeral Home - Hickory Chapel5852 Nolensville Rd., Nashville, TN 37211
Jan
13
Visitation
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Woodbine Funeral Home - Hickory Chapel5852 Nolensville Rd., Nashville, TN 37211
Jan
13
Funeral service
1:00 p.m.
Woodbine Funeral Home - Hickory Chapel5852 Nolensville Rd., Nashville, TN 37211
Funeral services provided by:
Woodbine Funeral Home - Hickory Chapel5852 Nolensville Rd., Nashville, TN 37211
How to support Billy's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Billy Collins's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
