William Thomas Collins

William T. Collins (Bill) lost the fight with Parkinson ’s disease early in the morning, on April 6th, 2016. Bill was born March 3rd, 1937, in New Haven, CT. and grew up in Hamden. After graduating from Hamden High, Bill served in the Connecticut National Guard for two years, and then joined the Air Force in 1956. During his distinguished career, Bill served all over the world, and ascended to the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He retired in 1985, from Barksdale, AFB, where he served as the Senior Enlisted Advisor. After retiring Bill, and his family settled in Fort Worth Texas, where he joined General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin) and worked for 21 more years at both the Fort Worth and Marietta, Georgia locations. He was a Senior Technical Publications Editor. Bill was honored to receive the Lockheed NOVA award, the highest award bestowed by the company, for his exemplary work on the F-22 program. Bill retired from Lockheed in March, 2009, and shortly afterward, received his Parkinson’s diagnosis.

Bill’s family is proud of his numerous accomplishments, but what speaks to his character are the testimonials of his friends and coworkers. “Tell your dad I have never forgotten his guidance and very professional advice, and positive reassurance. Your dad is the best! I could always seek his opinion and advice.” – Warren Vassar. Numerous comments like these have made this difficult time just a little easier to endure.

The memorial service for Bill Collins will be Thursday, April 28th at 11:00 am at the Woodstock Funeral Home, 8855 Main Street, Woodstock, GA 30188. Interment will be at 1:30 pm, at the Georgia National Cemetery, Canton, GA.

Bill is survived by his wife of 47 years, Anne of Ellijay, GA. His daughters Kathleen Kaiser (Bob) of Milwaukee, WI, and Frances Chambers (TJ) of Ellijay, GA. His grandson, Andrew Seelund, of Milwaukee, WI. His brother and sister-in-law, Paul and Martha LaChance, of Fort Worth, TX. His mother Helen Collins, and brother James Collins, of Connecticut, and his brother Gerald Collins of Wisconsin, plus numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews, and many friends.