William P. Collins Sr

William P. Collins, devoted family man, loving husband, father and grandfather, died November 9, 2012 with family at his side.
Born in Elkhart, IN on March 19, 1924, he was a longtime resident prior to moving to Watkinsville 15 years ago. He was the son of the late Charles William and Cora Ellen Van Tilburg Collins. Mr. Collins was a WWII U.S. Navy veteran and was retired from Selmer, Inc. An avid sports enthusiast, he particularly loved water skiing, scuba diving and golf, however his true passion was racing stock cars. In later years, he became active in the Oconee Senior Center, where he enjoyed playing pool with his friends. Mr. Collins was a Mason and attended St. James United Methodist Church.
Mr. Collins was preceded in death by a son, William Collins, Jr. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, E. Imogene (Jean) Collins; children, Beverly (Fred) Harman of Dade City, FL, Cheryl (Jim) Carpenter of Mishawaka, IN, Del (Deb) Key of Conyers, GA, Judy (Benny) Payne of Athens, GA, Dean (Laurel) Key of Mishawaka, IN and Debra (Ron) McCann of Crestview, FL; daughter-in-law, Monica Collins; 11 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 10 great great grandchildren.
Memorial services will be Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 11:00 AM at Oconee Chapel Funeral Directors, 2370 Hog Mountain Road (Hwy. 53), Watkinsville, GA 30677 with Rev. Bill Curlington officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's Hospice, PO Box 6588, Athens, GA 30604 or St. James United Methodist Church, 111 West Lake Drive, Athens, GA 30606.
Oconee Chapel Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com