William James Collins

Capt. William “Billy” James Collins, Age 66, passed away on February 18, 2026.  A lifelong resident of Pascagoula, Mississippi, he was born on March 15, 1959. 

Billy spent his life playing and watching sports.  Beginning at a young age, he and his twin brother, Bobby, learned to play baseball with a broom handle and tape ball.  One of their first and proudest achievements was becoming the 1971 Dixie Youth World Series Champions.  They continued playing ball through high school at PHS where they became the 1977 Big 8 Baseball Champions.   His other love was football, where he earned the All-State Big 8 Team Wide Receiver honor.  He continued his baseball years attending Mississippi Gulf Coast Junior College, then going on to play for UAB.   

In 1982, his love of the water led him to a career in the tugboat industry, where he started with Colle Towing in Pascagoula, then later became a tugboat captain. 

He is preceded in death by his father, John M. Collins; mother, Georgette Henley; stepfather, Gerald Henley; twin brother, Bobby Collins. 

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Gayla Hulbert Collins; siblings, John S. (Maria) Collins, Debbie (Thomas) Robertson, David “Butch” (Michele) Collins; father and mother-in Law, Maurice and Gloria Hulbert; sisters-in-Law, Gail (David) Bush and Gina (Dewayne) Scott; brother-in-law, Philip (Holly) Hulbert; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

The Visitation will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM at Moments Funeral Home.  The Funeral Service will begin at 4:00 PM in the funeral home chapel with Thomas Robertson officiating.  Pallbearers will include Andrew Robertson, John Gandy, Tanner Collins, Jonathan Lambert, Layton Lambert, and Blake Alexander. Honorary Pallbearers will include Austin Stewart, Brendan Collins, and Brandon Collins.   

Billy will be laid to rest at Jackson County Memorial Cemetery at a later date. 

Moments Funeral Home, locally owned and operated, is honored to be in charge of arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.