Fred Douglas Collins

Easley, SC

On Friday, November 18, 2022, Fred Douglas Collins, 72,gained his eternal wings in Easley, SC. We mourn his passing yet celebrate the life he lived. He was the last-born son of the late Gonsalvo Cotobus Collins and the late Clara Isabella “Belle” Collins, born on April 7, 1950, in Easley, SC.

Fred, affectionally known as “Butch,” grew up in a very loving and close-knit family, spending much of his time with his brothers, Charles and William “Billy” Collins, and many close cousins.

Fred received his formal education in the public schools of Pickens County and loved playing baseball and basketball. By the time Fred was in high school, he had become a star basketball player for Clear View High School’s varsity basketball team. He was also Senior Class Vice President, graduating in 1968. His tremendous athleticism earned him a basketball scholarship to St. Paul’s College in Lawrenceville, VA, an esteemed historically black college.

Fred was a veteran and served as an airman in the U.S. AirForces and was assigned to a unit of the Strategic Air Command at Griffiss Air Force Base in New York.

Fred was joined in holy matrimony to Betty Walker Collins, former wife. To this union came one child, Aya Tennille and the family lived in Atlanta, GA. Fred also had another child, a son, Christopher Burgess.

Fred was preceded in death by his father, Gonsalvo CotobusCollins; mother, Clara Isabella Collins; two brothers, WilliamRoy Collins and Michael Uralus Austin; and sister-in-law, Marguerite Austin.

Fred leaves to cherish his memory his brother, Charles Clinton Collins (sister-in-law Doris); daughter, Aya Collins Williams (son-in-law Avon); son, Christopher Burgess; two grandsons, Joshua Christopher Collins and Steven Eli Williams; and one granddaughter, Elera Burgess.

Fred also leaves to cherish wonderful memories: a special loved cousin, Elizabeth Ann “Mealy” Gramblin; former wife, Reverend Betty Collins; cousin, Reginald (Eleanor) Ladd; best friend, John (Rosemary) Latney; cousin, Foster (Sara) Austin;cousin Veronica Winston; cousin, Elaine (Victor) Ferguson Johnson; cousin, Denise Ferguson; and his late cousin, Barbara Collins Brown. Fred also leaves a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends whom he loved dearly.

Visitation: Thursday, December 1, 2022, 10:00am - 11:00am, at Easley Chapel United Methodist Church

Funeral Services: Thursday, Dec. 1, 2022, 11:00am, at Easley Chapel United Methodist Church, with interment in Greenlawn Memorial Park.