Obituary of Willie Charles Collins

Willie Charles Collins, 69, of Colorado Springs, Colorado passed away peacefully at his residence on September 13, 2018. He was born in Chilton, Texas on March 24, 1949 to his mother Ruth Oneal. Willie Charles spent most of his childhood in Clovis, New Mexico and attended Clovis High School. Willie enlisted into the United States Army in 1968 and was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Missing his High School Sweetheart, Willie took leave and returned home on February 22, 1969 where he was joined in matrimony to Linda Kay Anderson. Together they resided at Willie's last duty station, Fort Irwin, California, where they lived for one year prior to moving back to Clovis, New Mexico. Willie honorably served his country for six years during the Vietnam Era from 1968 to 1974, in which he enlisted as a Material Control Account Specialist. After Willie's enlistment he was known as the Jack of all trades. He worked various jobs to include Executive Director of Housing, Meat Packer at Swift, and a Route Salesman for Coors. He was a long-term member of the American Legion Post 117. While residing in Clovis, New Mexico Willie was a small business owner and opened several establishments such as a pool hall, a car mechanic shop, a night club, and a restaurant. After the market took a turn for the worst, in 1982 the Collins family relocated to Colorado Springs, Colorado where he completed his employment as a Foreman Setup Manager for Western Forge.A devoted husband and father, Willie took pride in raising his family and loving his wife of fifty-two years. Although he was not a man to wear his heart on his sleeve, he took the time to teach and help anyone in need. He was always there to lend an ear, but you better be prepared to receive the advice that he had to give. If anyone knew him he was very fearless and didn't pull any punches. You might want to brace yourself because there will be some four-letter words that aren't so kind to hear. He was a world class engineer/innovator with a creative mind that could turn nothing into an invention. I believe he was the only man to recycle his Cadillac emblem and glue it on his riding mower, use Walmart bags for curtain ties, and make sandals out of a pair of sneakers. To say that he was resourceful would be an understatement. Even though we laugh about how stern, strict, and straight to the point he was, he was also a very loving and giving person that would give you his last.Willie is preceded in death by his grandfather, Clay Oneal; grandmother, Alice Oneal; mother, Ruth Oneal; brother, Joe Lee Childress; sister, Betty Jo Harris; father-in-law, Cecil Anderson; mother-in-law Gracie Anderson; son, Chile Collins; and son-in-law, Robert Corley.Willie is survived by his spouse, Linda Collins; five children, Jacqueline (Jacques) Thomas, Charlisa Corley, Cherilynn (James) Cates, Joseph Collins, and Enrico Collins; fourteen grandchildren, Jacques II (Lindsay) Thomas, Chetorie Thomas, Jahniqua Thomas, Cheri Thomas, Robert Corley, Dari Corley, Sukari Corley, Chianne Cates, JJ Cates, Neyhanna Solorzano, Sanee Cates, Azailah Knox-Bell, Nyasia McMillan, and Shyheim Collins; seven great-grandchildren; five sisters-in-law; five brothers-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.To celebrate Willie's call to glory, a Visitation will be held from 6:00PM - 8:00PM, Friday, September 28, 2018, The Springs Funeral Services, 3115 East Platte Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909. Memorial Service, 12:00PM, Saturday, September 29, 2018, The Springs Funeral Services. Please join the family at the Repass following the Memorial Service at Friendship Baptist Church, 633 East Dale Street, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903. Events Visitation Friday, September 28, 2018 6:00PM - 8:00PM The Springs Funeral Services 3115 East Platte Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Phone: 719-207-8855 Memorial Service Saturday, September 29, 2018 12:00PM The Springs Funeral Services 3115 East Platte Avenue Colorado Springs, CO 80909 Phone: 719-207-8855