Anthony William Collins, Sr., 60, of Moline, IL passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at his home. There will be a visitation from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm with a memorial service following at 1:00 pm on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at The Refuge United Pentecostal Church in Rock Island, IL. Memorials may be made to the family.

Anthony was born on October 17, 1964, to Eleanor (Scott) and Horace Collins, Jr. Growing up in Davenport, IA, Anthony was an intelligent, hardworking and jubilant young man. Anthony was an avid boxing fan and dedicated boxer, winning the Golden Gloves in his youth.  He appeared in Sports Illustrated with Micheal Nunn on May 22nd, 1989, who was his favorite sparring partner. Float Like A Butterfly and Sting like a Bee, Muhammad Ali was his hero.

Anthony attended Davenport Central High School where he won the Football State Championship in 1982. After graduating, he began his career at Village Inn on Harrison Street. Anthony took pride in his job. Starting as a dishwasher, Anthony worked countless hours, working his way up to being the first Black store supervisor at the Bettendorf location. Village Inn not only brought joy to his life but also the love of his life. Cynthia Hannah and Anthony Collins, Sr. were married on September 29, 1994. During their 30-year marriage, the lovely couple welcomed two children together; Simone Lorraine Kazel Collins on July 6, 1994, and Anthony William Collins, Jr., on April 28, 2000.

The Collins family made Rock Island their home. Anthony Sr. dedicated 36 years to the Village Inn franchise, retiring from the Bettendorf location in 2019. In his free time, Anthony was an exceptional organ player. He spent Fridays laughing at Sanford and Son and the Flintstones, and Saturdays at the barbershop.  Affectionately known as "Tony," he could spend hours talking on the phone to his plethora of friends and family. He enjoyed speaking with his children the most, proudly listening to their multitude of accomplishments. He was their biggest fan and their best friend.

Anthony will be greatly missed by his wife, Cynthia, two children Simone and Anthony, Jr. (who he always called "T"), mother-in-law, Gayl Harrison, and a multitude of cousins and friends.

Anthony was preceded in death by his parents, older sister, Kazel Williams, and all of his aunts and uncles. Anthony's favorite aunts were Aunt Helen and his Aunt Bonnie. Anthony's favorite uncles were Uncle Mitchell, Uncle Rufus, and Uncle Junior.

Anthony had a way of telling stories, a smile that could light up a room, and a contagious laughter that will be missed by anyone he ever met. Anthony was very personable and never met a stranger.