Billy Ray Collins

Billy Ray Collins, 74, of Hartford passed away Thursday, July 18, 2013, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph, with his wife, children, grandchildren and other family members by his side.

Billy was born Jan. 10, 1939, in Jonesboro, Ark., the son of Benjamin and Edith (Coy) Collins, both of whom preceded him in passing. Also preceding him in passing were a great-grandson, Ethan Paul Nelson; two brothers, Bobby and Woodrow Collins; and a sister, Bernice Derr.

Billy was formerly employed with Auto Specialities until 1980 before retiring in 2010 from E.S. Enterprises of Hartford. He loved to fish, golf, watch NASCAR racing and caring for his LAWN, which he kept green, clean and pristine. But his most enjoyable moments were the times he spent with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Billy married the former Carolyn Sue Roper on Sept. 3, 1960, and she survives, along with their four children: Debbie Rittase, Karen (David) Carlson, Sandy (Kevin) Nelson and Greg (Tammy) Collins, all of Hartford; nine grandchildren: Brandi, Kevin, Matthew, Tiffany, Brittany, Kristen, Joshua, Shayne and Cameron; seven great-grandchildren: Samantha, Brookelynn, Allison, Kendra, Aliyah, Myles and Peyton; a brother, Johnny Collins of Coloma; and a sister-in-law, Bonnie Lindley of Hartford.

The family will welcome friends from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, where the service to honor Billy's memory will commence at 2 p.m. Monday, July 22, with Pastor Wayne Davis of His Place Cathedral of Faith, Covert, officiating. Burial will follow in Maple Hill Cemetery, Hartford. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations in Billy's name be made to the American Cancer Society. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family can leave them at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.