William Caler (Bill) Collins, 98, of Sylva, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather entered Glory Friday, February 15, 2013.
He was a son of the late George Washington and Ella G. Cochran Collins. A faithful choir member of Scotts Creek Baptist Church for 60 years, he was also a former deacon and trustee. He loved his Lord, his church, his country, and his family.
A survivor of the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, he attained the rank of Tech Sergeant in the U.S. Army, and participated in the invasion of Saipan. He was also a veteran of the Korean War. He was a lifetime member of both the Veterans of Foreign Wars and The American Legion. He owned The Coffee Shop in Sylva for 37 years before retiring in 1986.
Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Pauline (Polly) Mills Collins; son Steve of Sylva; daughter Janet Berman and husband Scott of California; grandsons Patrick and wife Jeany of Michigan, and Justin of Bryson City; granddaughters Dara Murphy and husband Scott, Alisa Berman, and Becca Berman of California; great grandchildren Lillian, Benjamin and Samuel Collins; and special niece Stephanie Moses of the home.
A two hour visitation will begin at noon Thursday, February 21 at Scotts Creek Baptist Church, with the service to follow at 2 pm. Reverend Johnny Lee and Reverend Judson Rotan will officiate. Pallbearers are Patrick, Justin, Benjamin and Samuel Collins, Scott Berman, and Gary Gibson. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Joe Hurt, John Henning, Jim Cochran, Robert Dyer, Dick Sellers, Max Harris, and Homer Royals. Burial will be with military rites at Old Field Cemetery. Appalachian Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Scotts Creek Baptist Church Building Fund, 97 Steeple Rd., Sylva, or to Broyhill Children’s Home, 111 Sneed Dr., Clyde, NC 28721.
The family wishes to express special thanks to the Home Based Primary Care Program of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and to the staff of our local VA office.