

He is the son of Charley and Laura Belle Collins, and had eight siblings. Charlie married his beloved wife, Ruthanne Frost, on December 21st 1957 and together they raised three sons. He was enlisted in the U.S. Army for three years from 1957 to 1960, stationed in Bamberg, Germany. After leaving the military, Charlie started his career and worked as a diesel mechanic until retirement in 1999. Ruthanne and Charlie had a strong faith in God and raised their family with the same beliefs.
Charlie was known for his quick wit, telling stories, his love for bluegrass music, and his kindness to all around him. He had a passion for gardening and was often found outside on his tractor. In his free time, you would find him woodworking and making furniture for family, or making something for his wife’s next craft night. He had a special way to bring a smile to everyone's face, and never ran out of stories to tell. He had a strong love for baseball and fishing, and he made sure to share his passion with his sons and grandchildren. Charlie loved spending time with his many grandchildren and was the best “Papaw”.
Charlie is survived by his children Keith (Sherry) and Doug (Kim), daughter-in-law Nancy, his grandchildren Nick (Shannon), Amy (Mike), Arynn, Cory, Lane (Jessica), Tyler, Kamella (Justin), his eight great grandchildren Ava, Ethan, Amelia, Alexis, Noah, Adam, Olivia, and Jackson, and his siblings Minnie, Gracie, and Bobby. He was preceded in death by his wife Ruthanne, his eldest son David, his grandson Cody, and his siblings Cecil, Bill, John, Elmer, and Evelyn.
A visitation will be held at Wells Memorial Funeral Home, Plant City, Florida on Thursday, October 30, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with a funeral service to immediately follow at 12:00 p.m.
A committal service will be held at Springhead Cemetery, located at Medulla Road and, Plant City, Florida. The service is scheduled for October 30, 2025, at 12:30 p.m.
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