Mr. Willie L. Collins

Willie L. Collins was born on March 26, 1935 in Ruleville, Mississippi. He was the second of five children born to the late Willie and Mamie Collins. Willie passed on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at Citadel Care Center in Wilmette, Illinois. He was preceded in death by one sister, Theresa McKinney; one brother, Bobby Joe Collins; two sons, Karlton Collins and Arnold Richards.

Willie moved to Illinois in his early twenties. In 1976, he was united in marriage to Ruby Moore. Willie was employed by Harcourt Publisher, Baxter Laboratories and Oakton Community College from which he retired in June 2016. Willie fought a good fight until the end on last Saturday God called him home.

Willie so enjoyed cooking, listing to jazz and blues, also being with family and friends. He will be missed by many.

Willie leaves, to cherish fond memories, a loving and devoted wife, Ruby Collins; a son, William Skipper Sr. of Highland Park, MI; five grandchildren, Deonta Richards, Crystal Reynolds, of Detroit, MI, William Skipper, Jr. of Highland Park, MI, Karlton Collins, Jr., and Kyra Collins of South Holland, IL; and a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He also leaves two sisters, Betty Sue Ricks of Philadelphia, PA and Joan Collins of Detroit, MI; two sister-in-laws, Ardella Boyd of South Benson, VA and Mabie Smith of Danville, VA; one goddaughter, Cindy Bell; a special niece, Sheran Owen; and a special nephew, Keith Owen; and four special friends, Audrey Martin, Mary Blackman, Louis Andrus and Lori Osborne.

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