Scotty Turner Collins "Sundown"

Mr. Collins is survived by his wife, Cindy Collins, his four daughters: Theresa Stephens, Sherri Hasson, Christina Paul and Annette Davis. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren: Josh Stephens, Mandy Stephens, Adam Stephens, Jared Stephens, Matthew Hasson, Shaun Hasson, Michael Paul and William Davis III. His precious four legged children Trouble, Spooky, Precious, Rascal and Snoopy-Scooby Do never left his side.

Scotty is a veteran of the Vietnam War, where he earned several medals including the Purple Heart. He was born in Eastern Kentucky and moved to Louisville where he began his military career at seventeen and completed his basic training at Ft. Knox Army base. As a young man, he learned to work hard helping to support his younger brothers and sisters at the local Walgreens soda fountain shop. Not able to afford a car, he would give his dear mom a ride home from work on his bicycle by having her sit on the handlebars, which she loved.

He completed boot camp and graduated under Company C, 1stPlatoon in August of 1959. He traveled all over the world serving his country. In Vietnam, he served as an infantry man under the 1st Squadron 9th Cavalry (Head hunters) which is the most decorated unit that served in the Vietnam war. They were the only "true" cavalry unit. They served as a model for other recon units of the war and their tactics are used by all the Rangers, Special Forces, and SEALS today. After twenty years, Staff Sargent Collins retired from the Army and joined the U.S. Postal Service for another twenty-year tour delivering mail. In 2002, he and his wife Cindy retired for sunshine and warmer weather in Sarasota, Florida. The discipline and patriotism he learned in the Army never left him, as his friends and family will attest.

Scotty is a member of the Vietnam Brotherhood and a Free Mason both fraternities of brothers who attempt to follow our Creator's plan for us and to help each man be the best man that he can be. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle, trading weapons as a licensed gunsmith and always felt at home in his Baptist church in Myakka. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and always gave a helping hand to those around him in need.

Services will be held on Thursday, at 10am at Palms-Robarts Funeral Home and Memorial Park and he will be buried at Sarasota National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to Pets for Vets or the Wounded Warrior Project.