Springfield – Jerry William Collins, 76, passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 afternoon after a short illness.

Jerry was born in Reidsville, Georgia, was a lifelong and avid outdoorsman with an extremely strong passion for nature and wildlife.  He was a graduate of Groves High School and a United States Air Force veteran.  Over the years, he has had many different volunteer roles in his community; from volunteering as a little league coach as a young father to volunteering at God's Mission House, a local food bank associated with First Baptist Church of Springfield where he was a member and Deacon.  Jerry never met a stranger and his appreciation for humanity was as wide as his grin.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, William and Della (Hohman) Collins; and his lovely wife of 34 years, Kay (Olliff) Collins.

He is survived by four siblings: sisters, Peggy Sweeney (Steve, preceded) of Rincon, Carol Denmark (Kenny) of Savannah, Pam Collins of Rincon; brother, Gary Collins of Savannah; his two sons, William (Leslie) Collins of Guyton and Jonathon (Elizabeth) of Redding, California; 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Monday, June 2, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Springfield followed by funeral services at 11 a.m.

Graveside services will be 2:30 p.m. Monday, June 2, 2025 at Rosemary Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery, 59138 Rosemary Church Road, Metter, GA 30439.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel. 912-754-6421