Willie Collins

Willie J. Collins, Jr, 72, of Winters passed away Tuesday, December 9, 2025 surrounded by his family.

He was born May 24, 1953 in Three Rivers, Texas to Willie J. Collins, Sr. and Geraldine Barnes Collins. They moved to Winters when Willie was a young boy. He graduated from Winters High School where he played football and ran track.

He married Rebecca Ann Ludwig on April 6, 1973 and they remained in Winters. They had 6 children together, and later divorced in 1982. He then married Sheri Lyn Richardson on October 14, 1996 and they moved to Ballinger. They had 3 children together before divorcing in 2005.

He returned to Winters where he attended the Living Water Church. He was known for his love of music. He was loved by his many friends and large family. He worked in the oilfield his entire life.

He was preceded in death by his parents Willie J. Collins, Sr and Geraldine Beckwith and by his daughter Shelia Collins.

He is survived by 8 children: Lynn Tharp and husband Terry of Winters, Bryan Collins of Winters, Carrie Collins Hanson of Winters, Briana Collins of Winters, Chris Collins of Winters, Beth Collins of Winters, Caleb Collins and wife Vikki Munoz of Winters, and Willie Collins, III and wife Rachel of Abilene; brothers: Mark Collins and wife Trish of Abilene and Lucas Collins of Winters; sisters: Visue Grice and husband Daryll of Abilene and Janine Collins of Abilene; as well as 27 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 20, 2025 at Living Water Church in Winters.