SHERBURNE – William Michael Collins (Bill) (Poppy), 46, of Sherburne, passed away early Thursday morning, Oct. 18, 2007 from injuries sustained in an accident.
Bill was born in 1961 in Ann Arbor, Mich. the son of Charles and Nancy (Stirling) Collins. He grew up in Williamston, Mich. where he attended the local schools. It was here that his love of sports began. While in grade school Bill was deeply involved in their punt, pass and kick program which carried over into his high school years where he played football, basketball and baseball and it was at these games where he was scouted by several colleges. Deciding to leave school to serve his country, a career which would span over the next 20 years, Bill entered the United States Air Force in 1978 serving his country as a Law Enforcement Specialist until his honorable discharge in 1982. It was during his second enlistment with the United States Air Force in Charleston, S.C., where he met and married his wife Lisa McCarthy in July of 1985. While stationed at the Charleston Air Force Base he worked as a loadmaster. Bill’s third tour of duty was with the United States Army from which he was honorably discharged in August of 1996. Returning to New York State Bill and Lisa made their home in Lisle where he was employed by the Labor Union. Deciding to further his education, Bill entered Morrisville College where he earned his Associates Degree in Journalism and was also inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Society in the spring of 2000. Continuing on he entered Syracuse University, Utica College, where he graduated Cum laude earning his Bachelor of Arts Degree in 2002. Putting his education to work he worked for a period of time for the George Jr. Republic, a home for troubled teens in Dryden and also for the Crossbridge Home in Sherburne. For the past several years Bill had been employed by the Social Security System in Binghamton where he worked as a claims representative.
Aside from his military and working career. Bill will be remembered as a likable, easy going all around great guy. He was great with all the kids and loved them all, not only his own but with their friends. He was the type of person who believed in everybody and had a great sense of humor.
Bill was a member of the Randallsville New Life Church and was a true Christian who has “walked the walk.”
Bill is survived by his wife Lisa of Sherburne, his mother Nancy Stubbs of Potterville, Mich., his children; Savannah, Sierra and Caleb Collins all of Sherburne, his two grandchildren, Gabrielle Linger and Ryker Babcock, his sister Julie Miller and his brothers Sean, John and Patrick Collins all of Michigan and his niece.
Funeral services for Bill were held at 11 a.m. Monday from the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home of Norwich. The Rev. Gerald Saliba of the Randallsville New Life Church officiated.
Friends called at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m.
Memorial contributions in Bill’s name may be made to one’s favorite charity.