William “Billy” Alfred Collins

SCARBOROUGH – William “Billy” Alfred Collins, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and hard worker, passed away on May 8, 2023, at the age of 84. Born in Scarborough on May 26, 1938.

Throughout his life, Billy worked long hard hours and much overtime to provide for his family, sacrificing much (But he always found a way to be at all sporting events, concerts, or any activity his children and grandchildren were involved. As a very young man/teenager he worked for Paas Kitchen in Portland, Swearingen Motors in Portland, and SD Warren/Sappi Fine Paper in Westbrook, where he retired in 1994. After retirement, he enjoyed working for Sherwin Williams in Scarborough and the Dunstan Dental Center in Scarborough (he loved working for Joe and Demi) before retiring again.

In addition to his work, Billy had a passion for coaching and teaching. He was one of the founders of the Scarborough American Little League in the mid-’60s. He later managed and coached the Oliver’s Vending Little League baseball team in Scarborough for 13 years and loved every moment of it. He was a dedicated coach and mentor to his players, and he took great pride in watching them grow and develop.

Billy was also a skilled builder and creator. His house in Scarborough was always called “The house that keeps on growing” because he loved to add new features and improvements over the years. He was always tinkering with something and loved to share his creations with his family and friends. Many friends and neighbors always complained that his yard was too well kept! It made them look bad! He did love his lawn mowers.

Billy will be remembered for his hard work, his dedication to his family, and his love for coaching and creating. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Billy is survived by his wife of 64 years, Ethel L. Foshay Collins; and four children, Bob Collins, Laurie Hanson, Maryellen Stevenson, and Don Collins. He is also survived by his sisters Sandra Wotton “The Villages” in Fla. and Gunnhilda Lemon of St. Louis, Mo.; as well as his nine grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren, whom he adored and who all referred to him as “Papa” and “Great Papa”, Jessica Hanson, Levi Hanson, Tristan Collins, Billy Austin Collins, Katrina Collins Reddell, Mariah Harrison, Haley Harrison, Katie Collins, and Ryan Collins. He always told each grandchild that they were his favorite, and he truly loved them all dearly.

He was predeceased by Eleanor Mae Robinson Collins (mother), Walter Collins (father); his son, Billy Collins Jr.; and his sisters Helen, Roberta, Mary-Lou and Judy.

Visiting hours and a service will be held in his honor Wednesday May 17 at the Hobbs Funeral Home in Scarborough (10 a.m. visiting 12 p.m. Service).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Scarborough Little League, a cause that was close to Billy’s heart.