Billy Jim Collins

On Wednesday, January 27, 2021, Billy Jim Collins, 86, joined the love of his life, sweet Lamai (Jit) Collins, 84, in Heaven. Father of seven children, he passed away at the Sacred Heart Hospital Pensacola following a lengthy illness.

Billy was born on January 29, 1934 in Graham, Texas to William E. and Ethel (Williams) Collins.Bill and Jit were united in marriage on May 25, 1973.Together they raised four sons and three daughters.

Billy had many occupations throughout his life.He served in the Air Force, was a bronze star recipient, served in the Korean War and Vietnam War retiring as SMSGT Billy Jim Collins after 24 years of service. He then moved to Okmulgee and started AC electric with his military buddy. He later went to Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City and was a electrician for the civil service. When his job was terminated there, the same job opened in Pensacola Florida in which he transferred. An interesting story he loved to tell about, was a time when he worked in the Pensacola Lighthouse. He had encounters with a ghost who would steal his tools and flashlights. Even to this day, if you take the tour of the lighthouse, your tour guide will tell you about the electrician and the ghost.

Billy's favorite pastimes included fishing, hunting, and doing things with the family. In later years, he was totally devoted to helping his wife with gardening and taking care of her every need. If you ever wanted to see his eyes twinkle and a big smile on his face, all you had to say was, "Hey Grandpa! Do you want to go eat some oysters?" Man did he love them oysters!!

Billy was preceded in death by his loving wife of 46 years, Lamai (Jit) Collins, his mother and father William E. and Ethel (Williams) Collins. He is survived by his children Robert Collins (Brenda), Mai Bassett (Don), Randy Collins (Marsha), Sri Tindle (Jeff), Richard Collins, Debbie Hayes (Billy) and Boon Collins (Tina), and grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.

Billy Jim Collins received full military honors at his funeral service on February 11, 2021. His wife was honored right along beside him. They both are interned forever together at Barrancas National Cemetery inside the Navel Air Station, Pensacola, Florida.]