Gerald (Bud) Balfour Collins, 90, of Bradenton died peacefully May 28, 2024. Bud was born in 1934 during the Great Depression in North Carolina to Hugh and Paralee Collins. He was one of 13 children.
In February 1952, a month before his 18th birthday and before completing high school, Bud enlisted in the US Navy where he completed his GED and was trained as a Naval Hospital Corpsman 1st class. He was stationed aboard the USS Bremerton CA-130 a Baltimore-class heavy cruiser that toured with the 7th fleet in the Korean War zone. Bud was awarded a Korean Service Medal (1 star), United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged in March 1955.
Following his time in the Navy, Bud resided in Long Beach, California for the next 25 years. After being discharged, Bud applied for a job at the new Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California where he had a one-day stint as one of the first costumed Mickey Mouse characters. A 6-foot, 2-inch mouse was a bit intimidating to small children. In 1959, Bud completed study at the Los Angeles School of Mortuary Science. He married his first wife, Pearl, and had 2 children, Janice and Curt.
In 1980 Bud moved to Bradenton, Florida where he met Elizabeth (Liz). They were married in 1981.
Bud worked at Tropicana Products for 37 years. His first 21 years were spent as a Quality Control Specialist from which he retired. Owing to his gregarious personality and dedication, Tropicana contracted Bud as a Relationship Manager who led corporate tours at the facility in Bradenton.
Bud was a member of the American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24 and enjoyed golf and the theatre. He and Liz often volunteered at the Manatee Player’s theatre.
Bud’s pride in service to Country and his work at Tropicana was only surpassed by his faith and love of his family and friends. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Elizabeth Collins, a daughter Janice (Jim) Williams and son Curt Collins, 5 stepchildren, 7 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and a brother, Mac Collins.
Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial and internment service at Manasota Memorial Park, East Chapel, 1221 53rd Avenue East, (South side of State Route 70), Bradenton, FL on Thursday, June 20, beginning at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to Tidewell Foundation, 3500 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239, (941) 552-5900 and/or Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 7461 Prospect Rd., Sarasota, FL 34243, (941)355-2798.
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