Carl was born in Akron on August 12, 1940 to the late Wilber Collins and Margaret (Feller) Watson. In 1967, he started working as a machinist for Akron Standard Mold and worked for them for almost 40 years until he retired. On June 22, 1971, Carl married Ruthann (Arp) Collins who preceded him in death on October 27, 2014. Carl was a member of the Calvary Apostolic Church for many years and a member of the Apostolic faith for 25 years. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Zepplin Rifle Club, as well as a lifetime member of the NRA and lifelong advocate of the 2nd Amendment. Carl enjoyed hunting, fishing, and was an avid target shooter and all-around gun enthusiast. He also enjoyed woodworking and gardening and was very proud of how well he kept his garden.
Carl is survived by his three children: Carla Collins-Vance, James Russell Dolan IV (Stephanie Bowman), and Margaret Anne (Brian) Collins-Harris; four grandchildren: James Russell Dolan V, Jacob Russell Dolan, Molly Anne Harris, and Sullivan Edward Harris; sister, Patricia Ann Watson, niece and nephew, Tana and Ricky Watson, and his lifelong friend, Jim Parianos.
Along with his parents and wife, Carl is preceded in death by two grandsons, Tyler Andrew Vance and Cody Milton Vance, and his brother, Richard Earl Watson.
Calling hours for Carl will be held at Karlo-Libby Funeral Home in Canton on Saturday, September 4, 2021 from 11 am to 1 pm. A memorial service will be at the funeral home on Saturday, September 4th at 1 pm with Pastor Nelson Carter officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Hills Burial Park, which is located across the street from the funeral home.