Dr. William (Bill) Henry Collins, Jr. was the only child born to William Henry and Inez Alberta Walters Collins in Burke County, GA. Known as “Sonny” to close family and friends, he attended public schools in Burke County GA, Tampa FL, and Savannah GA. Upon completion of high school in Savannah, Sonny was awarded a four-year scholarship in music to Savannah State College (now Savannah State University), where he briefly attended before being drafted. He served honorably in the US Air Force for four years, where he was the organist for chapel and special service events. Upon completion of his military service, Bill enrolled in the Candell Conservatory of Music in Oakland, California where he received his BA in Music and graduated as Valedictorian of his class. In August of 1958, he moved to New York City, and enrolled in the Manhattan School of Music, where he earned his MA in Music in 1960. On March 17, 2003 Bill received an Honorary Doctorate of Sacred Music from the Richmond Virginia Seminary. Bill’s mother dedicated him to the Lord as a child to be used in His service, and from the age of 13, Sonny’s immense talents in music were recognized and fulfilled through his service as the Minister of Music at several churches throughout his life. He began his ministry as the organist and choir director of the St. Paul CME Church in Savannah. During his studies in Oakland CA, he served at the Evergreen Baptist Church. As he studied for his Masters degree, Bill served at the First Corinthian Baptist Church in New York. In 1962, he joined Mount Hermon Baptist Church under its founder, Reverend Joseph H. Jones and his son, Pastor Benjamin F. Jones. He faithfully served as Mount Hermon’s Minister of Music for 55 years, bringing countless souls to Jesus. In addition to his service in the church, Bill was a celebrated and nationally recognized artist, composer, and musicologist. He toured the country for several years as the accompanist and musical arranger for gospel singer Georgia Louis. He recorded two solo albums, Gospel Mediations and Thy Grace with background vocals provided by the Voices of Mount Hermon and the Davis Trio. His work with the Combined Choirs of Mount Hermon was featured on The Sounds of Christmas, a CD released through Discordant Harmonies Productions. He published an essay “Music in the Black Church” and was a contributing editor of the New African American Jubilee Bible in 1999. He was honored to be listed in Distinguished Church Musicians of the United States (1995-1996) and in Who’s Who of Executives and Professionals (2003-2004 edition). Bill was even featured in a Korean documentary produced by one of his former students, “Black Gospel”, which was released at the Jecheon International Music & Film Festival in 2013! Affectionately known to his students as “Professor Collins” and ultimately “Dr. Collins”, Bill shared his love of music with others as the founder of the Collins Music Studio in Harlem. He taught piano, voice, organ, and Music Theory in Harlem until relocating his studio at the church in the Bronx, where he continued to teach until his death. Dr. Bill Collins was a devoted son, nephew, big brother, godfather and teacher. His students described him as one of God’s favored and chosen soldiers. His church families described him as steadfast, generous and dedicated to serving the Lord. To his beloved family and godchildren, he was known as the family griot, protector and cherished patriarch. To celebrate his legacy and memory, Dr. Collins is survived by his “Baby Sister” and cousin, Latecia M. Engram; godchildren, Cathy Sparks, Girard Hudson and Jermaine Lewis; godsister, Margaret Oliver and her husband Robert; niece Carla “Sweet Pea” Oliver Bowens; cousins Dena L. Pippen and Argent Sue Gibson; and special friends Mr. and Mrs. David Jones of Savannah and Shirley Craig. In addition to numerous relatives, friends, neighbors and students, he will be remembered by his extended church families at the St. Paul CME Church in Savannah, GA and the Mount Hermon Baptist Church in the Bronx, NY.