The Reverend Dr. William Collins, Jr., beloved, respected, and admired Pastor Emeritus of The Antioch Baptist Church in St. Louis, Missouri, died on Monday, February 19, 2018 at the age of 93. He was Senior Pastor of the historic Antioch Baptist Church in St. Louis for 44 years, from 1961 through 2005. Antioch Baptist Church, incorporated in 1884, is one of the oldest Protestant churches in the Ville Neighborhood of North St. Louis.
Throughout his ministry, Rev. Collins was considered the dean of Black preachers in the city of St. Louis and served as a mentor and role model to many preachers in the area by opening his pulpit to them and offering them advice and words of wisdom based upon his substantial ministerial experience.
Dr. Collins held a Doctor of Philosophy degree from St. Louis University, a Master of Education from the University of Rochester, a Master of Divinity from Colgate Rochester Divinity School, and a Bachelor of Science from St. Louis University. He also proudly served in the United States Army during World War II, achieving the rank of Sergeant. After the war, he returned to his native Missouri and participated in sit-ins to protest segregation in the St. Louis area as a leader of the Congress of Racial Equality, also known as CORE.
In his youth, Collins earned high academic honors and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He was very involved in his community, serving as president of the Board of Trustees of the St. Louis Community College System, board member of Eden Theological Seminary, board member of the Danforth Foundation, member of the Municipal Nurses Advisory Board, supporter of the Black Nurses Association, board member of the Annie Malone Children’s Home, and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. His denomination service included both the National Baptist and the American Baptist Churches where he served as a general board member and was actively involved in the Black Caucus as well as the International Ministries Task Force. He also taught at St. Louis University and Eden Theological Seminary.
Dr. Collins spent the early years of his retirement in St. Louis. He then moved to Kissimmee, Florida and later to Idaho Falls, Idaho. He was a man of great faith who served the Lord in all he did.
Dr. Collins loved his family and the St. Louis baseball Cardinals, following the team closely even after he moved to Idaho in 2012. One of his fondest memories was returning to St. Louis in 2014 for his 90th birthday celebration and being honored to throw a celebratory first pitch at the Cardinals baseball game.
William Collins, Jr. was born July 3, 1924 to Rosetta and William Collins, Sr. in St. Louis, Missouri. He is product of the St. Louis Public Schools, graduating from Divoll Elementary and Vashon High school.
His loving and devoted wife of sixty five years, Margaret Elizabeth Collins, preceded him in death just four months ago. Dr. Collins leaves to cherish his memory three children – Sylvia (Jon), Deirdre (Jerald) and William, III (Nicole); his brother Charles (Zelma); six grandchildren – Jon (Bonita), Margaret, Mark, Jerald, Quincy and Randal (Sabine); and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family members.
Final services for Dr. Collins are as follows: A Time of Reflection & Praise to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Collins will take place on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at 7:00PM at The Antioch Baptist Church, 2401 Annie Malone Drive, St. Louis. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at 11:00AM at Antioch Baptist Church.
