William O. Collins

1932 - 2024

U.S. Army (Ret) Colonel William O. "Bill" Collins, 91, of Ranger, Georgia, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at his residence after a period of declining health.

He was born in Stark, Florida, on August 7, 1932, to the late William O. Collins Sr and Elvina Lee Collins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Conway Collins, on July 9, 2022.

Mr. Collins was a decorated veteran of the U.S. Army, having retired as Colonel having served two tours in Vietnam and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Leaf, Legion of Merit with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster; he was a graduate of the United States Army Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and the United States Army War College in Carlisle, PA.

He was an ordained Baptist Minister, serving as interim for several churches. After he retired from the military, he and his wife owned a poultry farm in Ranger, Georgia. He received his undergraduate degree at Saint Benedict's College in Selena, Kansas, and his Masters Degree in Logistics Management at Florida Technical College in Melbourne, Florida.

Survivors include one daughter, Vina Lee Collins Sobczak; three sons, Ed Collins, Douglas Wayne Collins, and Christopher Lawton Collins; grandchildren, Abe Sobczak, Sunshine Hartsfield, Jennifer Craig, Katie Murphy, Christopher Collins, Rebekah Waid, Rachael Gingerich and Abe Collins; one half-sister, Shirley Forrester; one half-brother William Calvin Collins. Fifteen great-grandchildren and other relatives survive.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, January 28th, between the hours of 12:00 noon and 1:45 PM at the funeral home.

A graveside service will be held Sunday, January 28, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Fain cemetery with Full military honors accorded by the United States Army Honor Guard. Pallbearers serving will include Abe Collins, Christopher Collins, Trey Prater, Collin Prater, Jaxon Prater, and Patrick Craig.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Mr. Collins to Wounded Warriors Project on this obituary page.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family.