Bee Jasper “BJ” Collins, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully Monday, May 22, 2023 at the age of 91.
FUNERAL SERVICE: 10 AM Friday, May 26, 2023 at Highland Baptist Church (Chapel) in Waco, Texas
INTERMENT: 1 PM Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at Camp Ruby Cemetery, Polk County, Texas
BJ was born in Livingston, Texas May 18, 1932 to parents, Ted and Eleanor Collins. He grew up a farm boy in the Camp Ruby area near Livingston with his four brothers. BJ played basketball in high school and raised and showed livestock. He graduated from Baylor University. His working life included several years working on remote sites above the Arctic Circle in Alaska as a young man. He spent many years at General Tire in Waco. Then in later life, he worked for 13 years building and managing a paving operation in Saudi Arabia.
BJ was a devoted husband to Naomi “Kathy” Harmon for 67 years. He and Kathy met in Houston and were married in 1956. He was blessed to have three children, Becky Aabye (Scott) of Moorhead, MN, Mark Collins (Lisa) of Hamilton, MT, and Jenny Hornbaker (Steve) of Waco; plus five grandchildren, Lindsay Park (Richard), Audrey Anderson (Dylan), Katelyn Hornbaker, Jonathan Hornbaker, and Joshua Hornbaker, and his very special great grandchild, Magnus Park.
Throughout his life, BJ was a lifelong learner. He loved fishing and spending time outdoors, adventures, traveling, and reading. He was passionate to share the gospel of Jesus with everyone he met, and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. His generosity and kindness will be remembered by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the church or a charity of your choice in BJ’s memory.
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BJ was really a great man and a good wise older brother. I sure do miss your humor!
Kathy, Becky, Jenny & Mark, what a precious husband & father you have been blessed with. James & I send our love & prayers. We will be out of town on Friday. Wish we could be there to give you a hug
My condolences to you, Mark, Becky & Jenny. May the Lord comfort you that BJ will be waiting for you in glory. Brian “Rocky” Watts
Mr.Collins was always so sweet & kind. There was never a day when he wasn’t smiling. He was one of my favorite members to serve.
Sorry to hear Bee has passed i can remember him when i was a small child.His younger brother Charles was a year behind me in school and we were very close friends.I graduated from Big Sandy in 1962.Prayers for the family.
Kathy, with BJ, you both were Jesus’ hands and feet to the world. Your gracious love for each other and for all of us privileged to know you is a great gift. I don’t know how you will get by without BJ but I know God holds you in his loving arms.
My mother, Ellen Meyers, wants me to tell you how much your friendship and many visits encouraged them over the years. She loves you dearly.