Troy L. Collins

Troy Lee Collins, the eldest child of the late Robert Collins and Nellie Ray Sorrell (Collins) was born on June 21, 1945 in Georgetown, Mississippi. On February 6, 2024, Troy transitioned from this life to eternal life. 

 Troy was proud to come from a legacy of grandparents who owned farmland and he admired his parents’ professions, his father a Welder and his mother a Teacher’s Aide.

 Troy was raised on the west side of Chicago. He attended John Marshall High School and formed lifelong friendships with Ralph McCord, Calvin Perkins and Jesse Roach (Deceased) who often referred to him as “Hawk”.

 As a young adult, Troy worked at a motor company and an airline. He was soon drafted into the United States Marine Corps in 1965 and served in the Vietnam War. He was stationed at several bases and traveled to Okinawa, Japan. During his time of service, he was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal and a National Defense Medal. Troy received an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps in 1971.

 Troy married his first wife, Sandra McCord, and from this union he became a loving and caring father to two children, Aishea Collins and Darlene McCord- Collins.

 Troy moved to Milwaukee, WI in 1979, and formed a second union with Gertrude Simpson-Collins. They raised one daughter, Brandi Collins, whom they loved dearly. 

Troy attended the Milwaukee Area Technical College for baking. He had a strong group of friends, who would go to the Veterans Affairs Center or McDonald’s to drink coffee and share laughs together. He enjoyed fishing, table tennis, jazz music, playing cards, and watching sports.

 During his later years, Troy joined an Adult Day Center. He was a compelling storyteller and could capture people’s attention by sharing his life experiences. Troy was awarded the name “Cool Cat” for his ability not to let anything phase him.

 He cherished his family and his memories are with his wife Gertrude Simpson-Collins; daughters: Aishea Collins, Darlene McCord Collins (Duane) and Brandi Collins; siblings: Coty Sandra Sykes (Elton), Robert “Boogie” Collins Jr. (Deceased), Pearlina Collins-Cox (Deceased), Albert Collins (Deceased), Diane Collins-Fowles (Deceased); grandchildren: Jerail Wiley, Yari Taylor, Kye McCord Young (Antonio), Mariah Brandon, Nia Hope; great grandson: Zion Young; nieces and nephews: Latrina Lacey (deceased ), Stephanie Moore (Alfred), Nellie Lofton (Herman), Tamika Cox, VaShaun  (deceased),Willie Michael Green, Albert Collins Jr., Shantil Garcia-Collins (Josh), Cortez Collins, Elton Sykes, Elliott Sykes and many more family and friends.