Obituary of William Andrew Collins

     William Andrew “Bill” Collins, of Independence, KY passed away on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at St. Elizabeth Hospice Center in Edgewood, KY at the glorious age of 83.

     He was born in Independence, KY on February 18, 1937; the son of the late William Henry and Mary Lilly Collins. Bill worked for and retired from Cincinnati Bell after 36 years of service. Upon retirement, he then worked driving a tour bus for Travel America across the country. This allowed he and his wife to travel the countryside together. Bill was a man of faith and was a member of Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Independence, KY for 51 years, but had been recently attending Pleasant Ridge Baptist church in Owenton, KY. In his spare time, Bill lived and breathed hunting. He would often go to Colorado or Wyoming to hunt big game and was quite successful. Most often, though, you could catch Bill hunting down on the family farm in Corinth, KY. His greatest joy, however, came from spending time with his family who he cherished deeply.

     Preceding Bill in death were his parents and his sister, Mary Emma Hammons.

     Those left surviving to carry on Bill’s legacy include his faithful and devoted wife of 63 years, Shirley Collins; caring sons, Donald (Cuncray) Collins, Douglas (Pam) Collins, Daryl (Tony) Collins and Darin (Anna) Collins; grandchildren, Michael (Stephanie) Collins, Billy (Andrew) Collins, Bradley (Stephanie) Collins, Allison Collins, James (Courtney) Collins, John (Sarah) Collins, Emily (Matthew) Blevins, Gregory (Autumn) Collins and Ryan Collins; 7 great-grandchildren with two more on the way; ex-daughter-in-law, Stephanie Collins; as well as many other close relatives and friends.

     Due to Covid-19 state restrictions, occupancy will be limited to 50% while still enforcing 6 feet of social distancing and requiring the wearing of face masks. 

     A visitation celebrating Bill’s life will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Tuesday, December 29, 2020 at Chambers & Grubbs Funeral Home, 11382 Madison Pike, Independence, KY 41051. A funeral service will be held the following day, Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at 12:00 PM at the funeral home. Bill will then be laid to rest at Independence Cemetery, 5358 Madison Pike, Independence, KY 41051.

     Expressions of sympathy in Bill’s name may be made to either Hickory Grove Baptist Church, 11969 Taylor Mill Road, Independence, KY 41051 or Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, 3575 Sweet Owen Road, Owenton, KY 40359.

     For directions, to view the Celebration of Life tribute video, to leave a condolence message for the family or to share a fond memory of Bill, please visit the tabs on this page.