Brother of the Traveller King is buried next to Britains biggest headstone after fleet of Rolls-Royces accompanies him on his final journey
The brother of the Traveller King has been buried next to Britains biggest headstone after a fleet of Rolls-Royces accompanied him on his final journey.
The brother of the Traveller King has been buried next to Britains biggest headstone after a fleet of Rolls-Royces accompanied him on his final journey.
Terry Collins was buried next to his brother Willys 37-ton marble gravestone following his funeral service at St Theresas Roman Catholic Church in Sheffield and a lavish procession to the cemetery.
The 52-year old was laid to rest in a platinum casket, which was carried into the church over a red carpet, alongside a giant photograph of Terry in a frame of poppies.
Mourners who attended the service wore t-shirts with a photograph of Terry with the caption: RIP Terry Collins The Toucher.
The funeral procession was led by a silver Rolls Royce, complete with fluorescent lighting and some of his favourite songs playing.
Terry Collins was buried next to his brother Willys 37-ton marble gravestone in Shiregreen Cemetery, Sheffield
The monument was unveiled in March 2022 and features Irish flags and two life-sized statues of Willy
Willy was buried in a 22-carat gold coffin after a lavish funeral in which he was taken to his final resting place, the £200,000 marble headstone, in a horse drawn carriage
Also parked outside the church were two large trucks, one with a spectacular floral tribute display in the shape of hearts and the other depicting Terry in a high-vis vest, part of his work uniform.
Willy Collins - more well-known as Big Willy, died aged 49 in July 2020
As mourners gathered around the familys burial plot in Shiregreen Cemetery, an electronic board displayed pictures of Terry as well as poems and family tributes, while a plane flew overhead, creating the shape of a heart.
Terry died on September 25, four years after his brother Willy died while on while on a family holiday in Majorca, Spain at the age of 49 in July 2020.
Terrys family say that he was never able to come to terms with his brothers death.
Willy, who was dubbed the traveller King of Sheffield was buried in a 22-carat gold coffin after a lavish funeral in which he was taken to his final resting place, the £200,000 marble headstone, in a horse drawn carriage.
£200,000 37-ton marble headstone was the subject of controversy as the council said it violated the planning permission.
The gravestone, which was unveiled in March 2022, features Irish flags and two life-sized statues of Willy. It also includes depictions of Jesus Christ and biblical scenes.
The monument is made of solid Carrara marble and features a solar-powered jukebox which plays the late Willys favourite tunes, as well as flashing LED lights and a life size 6ft 2in statue of Willy himself.
It sparked a row between the family and Sheffield City Council, who argued that the structure violated planning permissions.
But his family have previously threatened war if it is pulled down.
Willy died while on while on a family holiday in Majorca, Spain at the age of 49 in July 2020
Terry was taken to his final resting place, alongside his brother, in a platinum casket
Mourners gathered outside the church and at the graveside wore t-shirts with a photograph of Terry with the caption: RIP Terry Collins The Toucher
At the cemetery, an electronic board displayed pictures of Terry as well as poems and family tributes, while a plane flew overhead, creating the shape of a heart
A large photograph of Terry adorned with poppies was on display outside of the church
Mourners gathered at the graveside to pay tribute to Terry, who his family described as someone who always helped everyone and anyone
Sheffield City Council have confirmed that there is no update on Willys grave.
Terry, who was born into a large Sheffield traveller family, leaves behind his wife Kathleen and four sons; Martin, Terry, Tom and Paddy Joe. They described him as someone who always helped everyone and anyone.
They added that he will be deeply missed by everyone.
