William "Wild Bill" Collins
June 18, 1946 — October 19, 2017
William “Wild Bill” Collins, age 71 of Puryear, TN, died Thursday, October 19, 2017, at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital in Jackson, TN.
He retired after many years as a truck driver for Cole Trucking, B & D Trucking, and Celotex. He loved horses, shooting, and was a big fan of John Wayne. He always enjoyed making people smile and brightening their day.
Bill was born June 18, 1946, in Paris, TN, to the late Marion Butler Collins and the late Chester Harrellson Collins.
He was married to Virginia Lowery Collins, who preceded him in death.
He is survived by one daughter, Jeanette (Barry) Triplett of Puryear, TN; three sons, Joe (Traci) Collins of Henry, TN, Darrell Collins and special friend Ann Edwards of Springville, TN, and Michael (Genawae) Collins of Paris, TN; one daughter-in-law, Laura Collins of Paris, TN; one sister, Rita Collins Lamb of Paris, TN; 21 grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren.
Along with his parents and wife, he was also preceded in death by one brother, Bob “Shag” Collins.
Arrangements are being handled by Ridgeway Funeral Home, 201 Dunlap St, Paris, TN, where visitation will be Saturday, October 21, 2017, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm, and continue on Sunday, October 22, 2017, from 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm. The funeral service will be Sunday, October 22, 2017, at 2:00 pm at LeDon Chapel of Ridgeway Funeral Home with Joe Collins officiating.
Serving as pallbearers are Blake Triplett, Michael Collins, Deaton Mullins, Shawn Collins, Caleb Townsend, Derrek Colley and Gunner Collins.
Burial will follow in Chapel Hill Cemetery in Paris, TN. A meal will follow the burial at New Life Baptist Church, 7362 Mansfield Rd, Henry TN.
The family would like to give special thanks to the staff of Paris Dialysis Clinic and the drivers for Northwest Tennessee Transportation Services for being a blessing to and loving their father.