CSM William Harold Collins, US Army (Ret.)

August 17, 1944 - November 26, 2021

CSM William Harold Collins, US Army (Ret.), 77, of Columbia, passed away on Friday, November 26, 2021. Born on August 17, 1944, in Huntsville, AL, he was the son of the late Albert Herman and Ruby Mildean Collins. In 1961, William enlisted in the military and was eventually stationed in Germany. There he met his wife, Eveline, one evening at a Berlin pizzeria. They wed in 1965 and would have celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary in January. Mr. Collins was a proud member of the US Army and retired after 22 years of service as Command Sergeant Major. During his distinguished career, he served two tours in Vietnam, where he received multiple medals and commendations, including three Bronze Star medals, one of which included the V device for Valor as well as an Army Commendation Medal with V device for Valor. Following his retirement, he continued his public service as a law enforcement officer for University of South Carolina, retiring for the second time at the rank of Lieutenant . His family and friends remember William as being a kind and generous man. He was a wonderful father to his sons. Throughout his lifetime, he remained a public servant. He deeply cared for others and would give any stranger the shirt off his back. He had a passion for hobby planes, wood working, and coin-collecting. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion Post 195. Survivors include his wife, Eveline Bloch Collins; sons, John Dean Collins (Mary), Daniel Allen Collins, Thomas Brian Collins (Rebecca), and Michael William Collins (Ashleigh); grandchildren, Stepheney (Evan), Alexandra (Tyler), Dakota (Marissa), Emily, Dallas, Sydney, Amanda, Caroline, and Duncan; great-grandchildren, Faye and Ulrich; and sister, Virginia Hopkins (Dean). In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by daughter-in-law, Stacey Collins; brothers, Dewain and Larry Joe Collins; and sister, Jewell Dean Collins. The funeral service for Mr. Collins will be held at 12 o’clock on Thursday, December 2th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext Columbia, SC 29223. Family will receive friends an hour prior at visitation. Interment to follow at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road Columbia, SC 29229. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saratoga WarHorse Foundation, P.O. Box 461, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.