William Gene Eugene Collins Jr.

Collins, Jr., William Eugene “Gene”, 80, of Fairfield, Ohio, formerly of Knoxville, Tennessee, died at Mercy Hospital Fairfield on Saturday, February 14, 2015 after a long illness. He was born in Knoxville on February 3, 1935 to Helen Wilson and William Eugene Collins, Sr., who predeceased him. His son, William Eugene Collins III, and an infant brother also preceded him in death. Gene spent most of his life in Knoxville, where he graduated from Central High School and earned bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees at the University of Tennessee. He worked for Anderson County Schools for many years, first as a band director and later as a principal and central office administrator. An avid lover of music, he played in the Central High School Band, the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, and UT’s Pride of the Southland Marching Band. As a youth, he founded the Knoxville City Recreation Band, which he directed for 57 years. Over his long lifetime, Gene belonged to numerous civic and fraternal organizations, including Pi Kappa Alpha, Rotary, Kiwanis, Elks, the Lions Club, Masons, Shriners, and American Mensa. For many years he was an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Knoxville. Gene is survived by his beloved wife, Frances Fowler-Collins, of Fairfield, Ohio and by three sisters, Louise Armin of Lenoir City, Tennessee; Patti Moran of Lenoir City, Tennessee; and Liz Tombras of Knoxville. In addition, two brothers-in-law, Bert Armin and Lou Moran; two sisters-in-law, Marianne Fowler and Susan Fowler; and numerous nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews survive. Family will receive friends on Monday, February 23, 2015 from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM in the chapel of Berry Funeral Home with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 PM, Rev. H. Joseph Minarik officiating. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Arrangements by Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Highway. Condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com