William "Bill" D. Collins

William “Bill” Derrell Collins, 91, went to meet his Lord and Savior September 9, 2023. Born in Oconee County, he was the oldest son of the late William Lester and Minnie Duke Collins and the loving husband of Phyllis Deckert Collins. He joined the Army at a young age and proudly served his country in the 82nd Airborne. Trained as a machinist, he had worked at the Westinghouse Plant in Toccoa, GA, Beacon Mill in Westminster and as shop foreman for Lang Ligon and Company in Greenville before he began farming in Taylors, SC. He enjoyed farming, gardening, his dogs, and hunting and especially children. He loved “to tinker” trying to figure out an easier or better way to fix something. God’s amazing and beautiful creation captivated him, and he and Phyllis enjoyed visiting many of our counties National Parks over the years. He made his profession of faith in Jesus Christ at 21 years of age before the birth of his oldest son. For many years, he read the entire Bible through each year. He was a member of Taylors First Baptist Church and the Ferguson/Ferguson Life Group. Prior to his health declining, he willingly helped those in need in practical ways and will be remembered for his warm smile and gentle and kind manner. We called him our ‘Gentleman Farmer.” Besides his wife, he is survived by his son, Gregory Collins (Linda) of Westminster, SC; daughter-in-law, Joyce Collins of Westminster, SC; step-daughter, Lisa Hall (Chris) of Simpsonville, SC; step-son, Gregory Harrison (Lauren) of Topsfield, MA; sisters, Ruth Hudson and Patsy Merck (Johny) of Westminster, SC; brother-in-law, Charles Deckert of Dolton, SD; and sister-in-law, Haidee Deckert of Dolton, SD; grandchildren, Jamie Collins (LeAnn), Tonja Watkins (Johny), Caryn Bladzik (Jared), and Kade Collins (Hannah); step-grandchildren, Abby Hall, Caleb Hall, Silas Harrison, and Ezra Harrison; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Besides his parents, he was predeceased in death by his wife, Earlene Martin Collins, his son, Perry Collins, his daughter, Wanda Collins, sisters, Carolyn Suttles and Janie Hudson, brother, Clyde Collins, and half-sister, Doris Green, parents-in-law, Leo and Melba Deckert, and brothers-in-law, Harris Deckert and Warren Deckert. A Celebration of Life service will be held in the chapel of Taylors First Baptist Church, 200 West Main Street, Taylors, SC, Friday, September 15, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. Visitation will be held 1:45-2:45 p.m. Friday, September 15, 2023, at the church. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memory Gardens, 14050 East Wade Hampton Boulevard, Greer, SC. Special thanks to Pastor Jerry Long and members of the Ferguson/Ferguson Life Group for their help and friendship as well as those of our friends and neighbors, Dr. Pugh and Bill’s hospice nurse, Mark and administrator, Cindy, and Jasmine and the caregivers of The Residences. The family respectfully requests no flowers. Memorials may be given to the Taylors Free Medical Clinic, 400 West Main Street, Taylors, SC 29687 or to Miracle Hill Ministries, c/o Foster Care Ministry, 575 West Washington Street, Greenville, SC 29601. Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com

William "Bill" D. Collins

July 17, 1932 - September 9, 2023