William James Collins, former Bethany mayor
William James Collins, 89, of Dagsboro passed away Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018, in Delaware Hospice Center, Milford. He was born April 18, 1928, in Bethany Beach, the son of the late Harvey and Ethel (Bunting) Collins.
William was preceded in death by his parents; son Scott Douglas Collins; and daughters Brenda Showalter and Bambi Collins-Nilan.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Doris J. Collins, and daughter, Collen J. Murphy of Dagsboro; five grandchildren, Amanda Showalter, Sarah Howard (Timm), Krista Showalter, Colin Nilan (Whitney) and Catherine Figgs; and six great-grandchildren.
For 25 years William worked for D. F. Quillen Construction in Rehoboth Beach, and for 25 years was employed by Crowley and Associates in Bethany Beach.
William was an active member of St. George's United Methodist Church in Clarksville. He served for 16 years on the Bethany Beach Board of Governors, including two terms as mayor; and was also a past member of the Bethany Beach Volunteer Fire Department.
Services will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to St. George's United Methodist Church, 34281 Omar Road, Frankford, DE 19945, or Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.
