Billy Earl Collins, 87, of Auburn, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 5, 2025, at Betz Nursing Home in Auburn.

Born on April 3, 1938, in Jonesville, Virginia, Billy grew up surrounded by a large and loving family. He spent many dedicated years working for Auburn Gear, from which he later retired.

Billy is survived by his son, Don (Melinda) Parsons of Angola; daughter, Angie Sprague of Fort Wayne; step-daughter, Heidi (Wes) Stahl of Waterloo; and step-son, John (Brenda) Chriswell of Waterloo.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alex and Rosa Collins; his companion, Lucinda A. "Cindy" Chriswell; brothers, Martin, Isaac, Bainard, T.J., and Wearley Collins; and sisters, Etta Collins, Euna Sexton, Pauline Collingsworth, and Ann Ramsey.

Visitation in Auburn will be held from 4–6 p.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025, at Pinnington Funeral & Cremation Services, 502 N. Main Street, Auburn.

Visitation in Virginia will be held from 4–6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Powell Valley Funeral Home, 29521 Wilderness Road, Jonesville, Virginia.

A graveside service will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at Miller Chapel Cemetery in Jonesville, Virginia with Pastor Steve Neff officiating. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the funeral home by 10:30 to travel in procession.

Billy Earl Collins and his family are in the care of Powell Valley Funeral Home and Pinnington Funeral Home of Auburn, Indiana