Charles Collins Jr., 72, of Millsboro, Del., passed away on April 10, 2016, at Atlantic General Hospital, in Berlin, Md. He was born April 22, 1943, to the late Charles Collins Sr. and Elizabeth Sturgis Collins in Welbourne, Md.
Collins completed high school and then served three enlistment terms in the U.S. Army, a decorated Vietnam veteran, honorably discharged as a staff sergeant. Collins worked as a truck driver for Townsend’s Inc. and 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.
Collins was preceded in death by a daughter, Charlotte Collins, in 1985. He is survived by his wife, Linda Bernice Purnell Collins; three children, Charles Collins III of Salisbury, Md., Dwayne Collins of Milford, Del., and Ryan Collins and his wife, Ellen, of Seaford, Del.; a stepson, Michael Purnell of Smyrna, Del.; a brother, George M. Collins and his wife, Kathleen, of Selbyville, Del.; a niece, Sarah Matthews of Georgetown; a nephew, Warner L. Collins of Salisbury, Md.; a sister-in-law, Margot Tingle of Wilmington, Del.; and a brother-in-law, James Purnell and his wife, George Ann, of Frankford, Del.; a host of grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family and friends.
A funeral service and celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 16, 2016, at 1 p.m. at Watson Funeral Home, 211 S. Washington Street, Millsboro, Del. Friends may call starting at 11 a.m. for viewing and visitation. The Rev. Aretha Ellis will officiate. Interment with military honors will be held privately at a later time, at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Condolences may be sent online at www.watsonfh.com.