Rev. W. L. Collins

  • Rev. W. L. Collins
    Rev. W. L. Collins

Rev. William Lawrence “W.L.” Collins Sr., 82, transitioned from life on this earth to his eternal home in Heaven Sunday, May 15, 2022, after a brief illness.

Funeral services were held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at Calvary Baptist Church, directed by Waters-Powell Funeral Home.

Interment in Mount Hope Cemetery was private.

W.L. was born in Culberson, North Carolina, and was reared in Fannin County, the son of the late Dolphus Clyde and Nora Mae Pope Collins.

He was predeceased by his three sisters, Anna Lee Collins, Jimmie Lee Collins and Josephine Collins Standridge.

He was a graduate of West Fannin High School, Truett McConnell College, West Georgia College and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

He answered the call of the Lord Jesus on his life February 2, 1958 and has humbly and faithfully served local churches in Georgia, Mississippi and South Carolina as preacher of the gospel and pastor for the past 64 years.

He retired from Calvary Baptist Church in Florence, South Carolina, in 2006 but continued serving churches as an interim pastor.

In addition, he loyally served in several roles of leadership with the South Carolina Baptist Convention as well as the community through his relational personality and servant heart, especially through the Youth Mentors of Florence.

He was an avid fan of the Georgia Bulldogs and enjoyed playing golf.

As a follower of Jesus and with a desire for all to be followers of Jesus, he believed, lived, and preached the promise of God’s word, “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Vera Collins, of the home; two sons, Bill (Jill) Collins, of Columbia, South Carolina, and Rev. John (Melanie) Collins of Florence, South Carolina; and four grandchildren, Rev. Daniel (Haylee) Collins, Casey Collins, Mary Ellen Collins (Strib) Crump and Jamie Collins.

Memorials may be made to the Lottie Moon Offering for International Missions through the IMB, 3806 Monument Avenue, Richmond, Virginia 23230 or to your local church.