Celebrating the life of
Father William "Liam" Collins
October 29, 1945 - January 19, 2026
Father Liam Collins died peacefully on Monday, January 19, 2026 at home surrounded by family and enveloped in love and prayers. He was a loving
and devoted husband and priest. Liam was born on October 29,1945 in Nenagh, County Tipperary, Ireland. He was the fourth of seven children of the late Sally Grace and Michael Collins. Liam grew up in the rural countryside and was profoundly shaped by his parents’ deep faith, their love of nature and sense of justice. Music and poetry were integral parts of his childhood and continued to nourish his soul throughout his life. As a teenager, Liam worked as a bartender at the American Embassy in Dublin. He developed a close relationship with US Ambassador Matthew McCloskey. This friendship changed Liam’s life as it was McCloskey who sponsored him in the seminary and introduced him to the missionary
diocese of far off Savannah, Georgia. One of the highlights of Liam’s time at the Embassy was meeting President John F. Kennedy in June of 1963.
Kennedy’s parting words were “Liam, pray for the president." Liam was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest on June 12,1971. He served in the diocese of Savannah for 24 years, finding joy and meaning in each parish that he served. Liam’s most formative assignment, however, was Pastor of St. Mary’s in Savannah. He was affectionately known as The Priest of 36th Street. It only seems fitting that he would die on Martin Luther King Day. After much discernment, Liam left the active ministry in 1994 and married his best friend and the love of his life, Mary Brennan.
In 1996 he was received into the Episcopal Church and began his ministry at St. Mark’s in Brunswick, GA. In 2008, Liam and Mary returned to Savannah where Liam served in many parishes until his retirement. Liam cherished his ministry in both the Roman Catholic and Episcopal Churches. In Liam’s own words: “The primary focus of my ministry has always been seeking to awaken all to the bonds of love and respect that unite us as God’s people. We are God’s very heart, hands and feet in this wounded, broken world.” In addition to his parents, Liam was predeceased by his sister Mary and her husband, Sean Bonfield, his sister Margaret and her husband, Ken Johnston, his brother Michael Collins, his brother Eddie Collins, and Mary’s parents, Tom and Agnes Brennan.
Liam is survived by his loving wife Mary, his sister Colette and her husband Liam Irvine, his sister Anne Collins Healy, his sister-in-law Bunty Collins and Mary’s seven siblings and their spouses: Julie and Andrew Purkey, Tom and Jane Brennan, Sally and Brian Kennedy, Philip Brennan, Joe and Michelle Brennan, Peter and Anna Brennan, Agnes and Pete Law. Liam is also survived by his many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews from both sides of the pond. This large and loving family brought Liam great joy throughout his life. The Collins and Brennan families would like to thank all those who cared for Liam this past year especially his devoted, loving caregiver Jackie Heraldez as well as Tricia Coaxum and Shannon Oliver, and his Hospice nurse Jenni Knittig. Also, we are so grateful for our family and friends who were so loving and devoted to Liam throughout his illness.
A memorial mass will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Episcopal Church in Savannah on Saturday, January 31st at 11:00 am. A reception will follow in the parish hall immediately after the service. A private family burial will take place later that afternoon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary’s Community Center, 812 W 36th St., Savannah, Ga.31415.
Fox & Weeks, Hodgson Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Rest in peace, Uncle Liam. We love you so much!
- Julie Brennan Purkey, PORTLAND, OR
Mary, I am so saddened to hear of Father Collins' passing. I will always remember what a light he was in the lives of us all as children and young adults. He touched so many in such positive ways. Holding you and all of his family close in my heart and prayers. Rita Meredith Brown
- Rita Meredith Brown, Hull, GA
A candle has been lit!
Mary, I am lifting you up in prayer. Father Liam was a wonderful man who touched the lives of so many people. Hugs and love. Christina Chancey
- Christina R Chancey, Savannah, GA
Rest in Eternal peace , dear uncle Liam. Sending prayers and love to Mary , from Nenagh, where we all spent some wonderful days together
- John Bonfield , Nenagh, Co Tipperary, Ireland
Rest in Eternal peace , dear uncle Liam. Sending prayers and love to Mary , from Nenagh, where we all spent some wonderful days together
- John Bonfield , Nenagh, Co Tipperary, Ireland
Liam was so special and lit up a room with joy and love , he will be missed so dearly and was so loved, RIP Liam
- Emma Bonfield, Nenagh , Tipperary
Rest in peace, Liam. The special memories and laughter we shared with you and Mary in Ireland, the UK and Savannah will always be cherished.
- Jennifer Collins, Canterbury, England
Liam's poetic voice and joyful spirit blessed me and my girls, especially Selia who talked with him about deep thoughtful questions. May he rest in peace.
- Erica Scales and Selia And Sage Hooten , Savannah, GA
To my sweet Uncle Liam. We will miss you beyond words. Thank you for all the fun filled holidays and for being such a constant in all our lives. The memories we built with you and Meme on both sides of the Atlantic will be treasured forever. Rest in heavenly peace xxx
- Sally Ann Hogan, Nenagh, Co. Tipperary
We were so sorry to hear the news of the death of our loving cousin Liam. He was a kind and caring person with the most wonderful personality and full of joy always. We were so glad to have him here in our home with you Mary and his late sister Mary on his last visit to Nenagh. We offer our sympathy to you and to his sisters Collette and Ann and his extended family. We were privileged to have him as our cousin. May he now rest in peace reunited with all those gone before him and home with the Lord he faithfully served.
- Jimmy and Theresa Martin (Reddan), Nenagh, Nenagh, Tipperary, Ireland
A candle has been lit!
What a pleasure to have known Liam all these years. I pray God's peace upon Mary and the entire Brennan family. To know Liam was to love him. Rest in peace my friend.
- Pamela Fowler , Guyton , Ga
What a wonderful man! Thank you and Rest In Peace.
- Sister Veronica Weygand , Westwood , MA
Mary, thinking of you at this time, you two were so inseparable! I even remember you would put him to bed! going with him even when you weren't tired. He was so lucky to have you. Am also thinking of his devilment that always entertained as kids. Loads of thoughts from Paris, Eve
- Eve Irvine, Paris, France
Liam brought so much peace and love to the world. A twinkle in his eye and a laugh that filled the soul. Miss you Uncle Liam.
- Roselle Healy, Vancouver, BC
I am so lucky to have spent some time with Liam and my wonderful cousin Mary here in California. They were such a beautiful and happy couple. I pray for Liam and Mary to keep their strong and faithful bond through prayer and memories forever. I love the two of you and will pray for you while picturing your happy and charming faces. May God continue to bless you into eternity.
- Andy Weinberg, Goleta, California
Please accept our deepest sympathies condolences and prayers on the passing of Fr Liam Collins. May his soul Rest in Peace
- Chris Desa, Savannah, GA
We were very sad to here of the passing of Father Liam. We had some great times with him and his family in Cudville. R.I.P
- Tom and Mary Bolger, Annbrook Heights, Nenagh, Co.Tipperary., Ireland.
Sending my condolences and prayers, Mary and family. May Liam rest in God's peace. With deepest sympathy, Sister Susan
- Sister Susan Arnold Harms, Savannah, Georgia
Father Collins was always a warm and friendly man, rest in peace. Condolences to your family.
- Holcey Family, SAVANNAH, GA
Mary, so sad to hear of that you have lost the love of your life. We know that Liam is at peace with our heavenly Father. He was a blessing in the lives of so many, including Sean and I. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Bonnie and Sean Kane.
- Mandly Kane, Savannah, Ga
Mary I am so sorry to hear about your beautiful Liam RIP
- Ann Collins , Nenagh , Ireland
Rest in peace dear uncle Liam. I will always remember your warm smile, warmth and fun loving spirit. All my love to Mary and family xx
- Sarah Healy, Brighton, England
Truly a wonderful person. I will always remember the times you spent in Vancouver with us. My love to Mary and everyone who misses my uncle Liam.
- Oliver Healy, Vancouver, BC
Fr. Liam, what a kind soul! I clearly remember his smile (and Mary's) from attending Christ Church from time to time. When making the connection with my parents, they beamed at the sound of his name. While I am sad to hear of his passing, this tribute was a joy to read and a sign of a life well lived. Sending love, light, and prayers from the West.
- Mark Mizelle, Denver, CO
I send my sincere sympathy to you Mary on the death of my dear cousin Liam. I extend my sympathy also to my cousins Colette and Ann and all extended families. I have lots of fond memories of Liam one of which I will share with you on August 7th 1971 Liam officiated at his first wedding and that wedding was mine. I never had the pleasure of meeting you Mary but you are in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace Liam Margaret Mary Geraghty(Reddan)
- Margaret Mary Geraghty(Reddan) , Ashbourne , Co. Meath
Liam, you have left us with such lovely memories - your twinkling eyes, lovely smile, and infectious laughter - we will always remember you fondly.
- John Healy, Vancouver , Canada
Liam we had great times may you now rest in heaven.
- Martin Grace cousin, County Cork, Cork
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- Memorial Service
- 11:00 a.m. on Sat, January 31, 2026
- St. Paul's Episcopal Church
-
1802 Abercorn Street (map)
SAVANNAH GA 31401 - 912-232-0274