Charles Collins Jr., decorated veteran
Charles Collins Jr., 72, of Millsboro passed away Sunday, April 10, 2016, at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin, Md. He was born April 22, 1943, to the late Charles and Elizabeth Sturgis Collins in Welbourne, Md.
He completed high school, and then served three enlistment terms in the U.S. Army, and was a decorated Vietnam veteran, honorably discharged as a staff sergeant. He worked as a truck driver for Townsend’s Inc. He was formerly a member of Prince Hall Masonic Lodge, 32nd degree.
He loved racing and drag racing. He liked working on performance cars. He was a devoted husband who loved his family.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Bernice Purnell Collins; and three children: Charles Collins III of Salisbury, Md., Dwayne Collins of Milford and Ryan Collins and his wife Ellen of Seaford. He also has a stepson: Michael Purnell of Smyrna; and was preceded by a daughter: Charlotte Collins in 1985. He is also survived by a brother: George M. Collins and his wife Kathleen of Selbyville; and a niece: Sarah Matthews of Georgetown; a nephew: Warner L. Collins of Salisbury, Md.; sister-in-law, Margot Tingle of Wilmington; and brother-in-law James Purnell and his wife George Ann of Frankford. Finally he leaves a legacy of a host of grandchildren, a host of nephews and nieces, cousins and extended family and friends.
A funeral service and Celebration of His Life will be held Saturday, April 16, at 1 p.m., at the Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington St., Millsboro. Friends may call two hours prior, from 11 a.m. till 1 p.m. for viewing and visitation. Pastor Aretha Ellis will officiate. Interment will be private at the Delaware Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery at a later time. Military honors will be conferred.
