Mr. Billy Ray Collins, age 83, of Stuart, Virginia completed his earthly journey and went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 5, 2025, at his home surrounded in love. He was born in Lawsonville, North Carolina on September 17, 1941, to the late Grady Franklin Collins and Hallie Louise Collins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 56 years, Lee Ann Ellis Collins; two infant brothers, Roger Lee Collins and Stevie Woodrow Collins; brother, Kenneth Collins; and brothers-in-law, Joe Mchone and Howard Bowman.
Billy was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He loved the Lord and attended Oak Ridge Baptist Church. Billy began working at a very young age in his early high school years. He started working on cars and tractors and developed a love for being a tractor mechanic. In 1975, he opened Billy’s Garage and began his career as a diesel mechanic. In years to come, Billy and his loving wife, Lee Ann opened Collins Tractor Company. Here they worked side by side selling Massey Ferguson Tractors and hay equipment. Billy also enjoyed raising tobacco, working on the farm, gardening, and working with his cattle. Billy loved his family and was a vital part of their lives. He had a servant’s heart and had a gift of helping his neighbors. He will be remembered for his humble spirit, kindness, and graciousness. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.
Mr. Collins is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Renee Collins; a daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Jason Fix; two grandchildren, Austin Collins and MaKayla Fix; three sisters and a brother-in-law, Katherine Mchone, Darlene Bowman, and Inez and Mike James; a brother, Wilbert Collins; a sister-in-law and her husband, Sharon and Johnny Coleman; several nieces and nephews; and a community of friends that he adored and cherished dearly.
A celebration of life funeral service for Mr. Collins will be held on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Stuart, VA with Pastor Mike Sands officiating. Burial will follow the service at Pleasant Grove Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Stuart, Virginia. The family will receive friends on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home and other times at the home. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial donations may be made to Oak Ridge Baptist Church, 4128 NC 704 Hwy E., Sandy Ridge, NC 27046 or to Pleasant Grove Cemetery Fund, c/o, Laray Smith, 154 Dominion Valley Lane, Stuart, VA 24171. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.moodyfuneralservices.com.
The family of Billy Collins would like to thank all his special loved ones, church family and friends for their kindness, prayers, and love during this time. A special thank you to all the staff at Ravenel Oncology Center, Mountain Valley Hospice, and Billy’s angel and caregiver in the home, Debbie Corns, who took remarkable care of him.
