William “Bill” T. Collins, Sr. of Laurel passed away on Aug. 15, 2022 at TidalHealth PRMC in Salisbury, Maryland. Born in Milford, he was the son of the late William E. Collins and Ida B. Jones Collins. He proudly served his country in the United States Army National Guard. Bill was retired as a supervisor for the Delaware Department of Transportation with over 38 years of service. He enjoyed gardening, making many crafts, and handcrafting spinners was one of his favorite pastimes. He not only enjoyed making them, but loved seeing the smiles he received when he would give them away as gifts. Bill and his wife Betty enjoyed traveling, and living in Florida over the winter months. His personality was magnetic and Bill never met a stranger, not only did he love to make friends, he enjoyed bringing happiness and laughter to those he met. His family was his greatest legacy, and he had a way to make each family member feel special and uniquely loved.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Collins of Laurel; daughters, Linda Twilley and her husband Dale, and Debbie Shields and her husband Alan both of Laurel; grandchildren, Daneille Travers (Leroy), Cody Shields (Melinda), Melissa Pettyjohn (Zak), William T. Collins, III (Jess), and Dustin Collins (Jess); great-grandchildren, Lillian, Everly, Sienna, and Baxter Travers; Leo and Hazel Shields; Jace and Luke Pettyjohn; Ayden Collins; Abigail Collins, William and Rowan Collins; sister-in-law, Becky Perry; niece, Kimberly Rogers (Bob), and great nephew, Nate Rogers.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his son, William T. Collins, Jr., and his brother-in-law, Robert Perry.
A viewing was held on Monday, Aug. 22, 2022 at the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home, Laurel. A funeral service was held at the funeral home on Tuesday, Aug. 23. Pastor Joe LeCates officiated. Interment followed in Odd Fellows Cemetery in Laurel.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Mr. Collins memory to Teen Challenge, 611 Third Street, Seaford, Delaware 19973. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel, Delaware.