William "Bill" Furman Collins

William “Bill” Furman Collins, 74, passed away Saturday, September 12, 2020 surrounded by family and loved ones.  Bill was born in Macon County on August 10, 1946 to the late G.H. Gibson and Helen Shepherd Gibson.  He was a member of Liberty Baptist Church.  Bill worked as a supervisor at the Macon County Landfill until his retirement.   He also worked at several dairy farms, logging, and in his own farming ventures.  He was never one to sit idle, even after retirement he was constantly in a hay field or working hard at another project. As his health began failing he may not have been as physically involved, but he was excellent at making sure his boys did everything to his satisfaction.  Bill would even sit and watch hay being cut, and call giving advice to the tractor operators.  He was not content to sit and watch life pass him by, and always stayed in the thick of things.  For all his gruffness and grumpy attitude Bill had a heart of gold.  He wanted to rescue every animal, and bottle-fed many calves, pigs, and goats by his wood stove.  Bill took great pride in being a grandfather, father, and uncle. His family was filled with blood relatives, and those he claimed as his own. He was greatly loved by each and every one he welcomed into his house. 

Survivors include his wife, Bobbie Collins of the home; three sons, Tony Collins (Linda), Billy Collins (Jenny), and Bobby Collins (Rhonda) all of Franklin, NC; special sons, J.D. Henry (Allison) and Robert Armstrong both of Franklin, NC; two sisters, Jane Stamey of Franklin and Cindy Gibson Jenkins (J.J.) of Greer, SC; eight grandchildren, Jada Collins, Katie Collins, Dakota Collins, Karissa Collins, Samantha Collins, Branson Collins, John Henry, and Justin Henry; special Caregiver, Patsy Brown; and a number nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents Bill was preceded in death by a daughter, Tammy Marie Collins; a son, Joshua Collins; special son, Bernie Gibson; and two sisters, Johnnie Tallent and Donna Collins.

A funeral service will be held 2:00 P.M. Tuesday, September 15, 2020 in the Chapel of Bryant-Grant Funeral Home with the Rev. Phillip Cochran and Rev. Davis Hooper officiating. Burial will follow in the Shepherd Cemetery. He will be transported to cemetery by Chucky Stanley for one last ride in a log truck. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Bryant-Grant Funeral Home.  Mr. Collins will lie in state at Bryant-Grant Funeral Home on Monday from 2-8 p.m. and on Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. until funeral hour for anyone who wants to come.

Pallbearers will be Jerry Shepherd, Jr., Eddie Beaver, Tim Cochran, Andrew Armstrong, Jeff Tallent, and Randy Beasley.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Shepherd Cemetery in care of Mrs. Josephine Jennings P.O. Box 781 Franklin, NC 28744.

Online condolences can be left at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome,com

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Collins family.

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