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William Harper "Bill" Collins, 76, a resident of Elkins, West Virginia, departed this life Saturday evening, Oct. 7, 2023 at his home.
He was born Friday, Oct. 3, 1947, at Elkins, West Virginia, a son of the late Ronald Lester Collins Sr., and Rachel U. Gochenour "Peg" Collins.
On June 26, 1971, at Elkins, West Virginia, he was married to the former Cheryl Lynn Deavers, who preceded him in death March 23, 2010.
Surviving are one son, William Todd Collins of Virginia; one granddaughter, Morgan Heather McDonald Thorn of Tennessee; one great- grandson, Nathaniel Thorn of Tennessee; one nephew, Russell Ray "Buddy" Collins of Elkins; one niece, Linda E. Garcia of El Paso, Texas; two sisters-in-law, Carol Deavers Fretwell and husband, Sylvester, of Chenoweth Creek and Thelma Jeanette Collins of Elkins; one great-niece; several great-nephews; and two cousins, Linda and Jimmy.
He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Preceding him in death are one infant son, Ronald Blaine Collins; two brothers, Ronald Lester "JR" Collins Jr. and Kenneth Jack Collins; his paternal grandparents, Abner and Nancy Collins; three uncles, Ralph, Roy and Russell Collins; three cousins, Joyce, Gean and Nancy; and beloved guide dog and constant companion, Cooper.
Bill's dear friend, honorary Lion and mascot Lord Cooper served as Bill's Leader Dog, who was always by his side helping and loving him. Cooper served the Lions Club by visiting several elementary schools annually; delighting the local children and helping Bill introduce those young people to life with a visual impairment and the value of a Leader Dog.
Bill was a graduate of Elkins High School with the Class of 1967, and attended Kentucky Christian College in Grayson, Kentucky.
He was previously employed at F. E. Runner Funeral Home, Davis & Elkins College, Memorial General Hospital, Emergency Medical Technician and retired as a school bus driver for Randolph County Schools with 20 years of service.
Bill was a longtime member of the First Church of Christ at Elkins, was a member of the Elkins Lions Club, where he served as past president and Lion of the Year in 2012-2013. He was a recipient of the Leonard Jarrett Award in 2016 for appreciation and recognition for distinguished service for sight and hearing with WV Lions Sight Conservation Foundation and Hearing Inc.
A Graveside Service will be conducted Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Mountain State Memorial Gardens at Gilman, West Virginia.
Preaching Minister Jason Brandon will officiate and interment will follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that expressions of sympathy be in the form of contributions to the Lions Club of Elkins, P. O. Box 690, Elkins, WV 26241 with Leader Dog on the memo line.
The Lohr & Barb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for William Harper "Bill" Collins.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lohrbarbfuneralhome.com.