Dr. William John Collins was born Thursday, July 5, 1934 in Buffalo, New York .
he died Sunday, October 1, 2017. his recorded age was 83.
he was a veteran of the Army.
Dr. William John Collins, age 83, passed away Sunday, October 1, 2017 at The Forum at Knightsbridge. He was born to Thelma and Paul Collins in Orbisonia, PA on July 5, 1934. His father, Paul died when Bill was 10 years old. Thelma remarried to Mike McMullen who was there for Bill in his adulthood. He received his B.S in Biology from Juniata College. After graduating he joined the U.S. Army and served from 1957 until 1960. Bill received his PhD in Entomology from Rutgers University in 1966. He was a full time professor, taught, conducted research and mentored PhD candidates at The Ohio State University from 1967 until 1980. He became the Assistant Dean for the College of Biological Sciences from 1980 until 1986 and the Associate Dean for the Graduate School from 1986 until 1995. Dr. Collins was a key contributor to building the MD/PhD program at OSU where he received the Outstanding Student Organization Faculty Advisory Award and the Service to Students Award. Dr. Collins loved his work, loved his students and loved the Buckeyes! He was a lifelong member of Linworth United Methodist Church, donating his time to maintenance of the church grounds, the choir and administrative committees. His pride and joy was his wife, children and grandchildren. Bill was an avid gardener, always sharing produce from his BIG garden with his family and friends. He was a gentleman who never knew a stranger and would give the shirt off his back at to anyone who was in need. Bill is preceded in death by his wife, Peggy, married for 53 years and three sisters, JoAnn, Dorothy and Alma Grace. He is survived by loving children, Cheryl (Tom) Schultz, Roberta (Bill) Guthery and Butch (Tressy) Collins; four grandsons and siblings, Paul Collins and Helen Jean Yednock. A funeral service will be held 1:15 p.m. Friday, October 6, 2017 at SCHOEDINGER NORTH CHAPEL, 5554 Karl Road, where family will receive friends from 12:15 p.m. until the time of service at 1:15 p.m. Burial to follow at Flint Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice Services at Methodist Eldercare or the Franklin County Humane Society in his name.