Charlie Collins Jr.

Charlie Collins Jr. was born on June 21, 1932 in Canton, Mississippi. He was the eldest son of Charlie and Corene Collins. He graduated from Cameron Street High School, Class of 1952. Shortly after graduation he joined the United States Army.

On November 24, 1954, Charlie married Obirta Franklin. To this union, three sons were born, Alden Kirk and Kenneth Ray of Seaside and Kelvin Forest who preceded him in death.

Charlie’s military service covered a span of over 22 years. As a young man, he was always mechanically inclined. While in the Army he spent most of his career as an Engineer Equipment Mechanic Supervisor. Charlie was an expert marksman with the All Army .45 caliber pistol team. Charlie won several U.S Army Pistol competitions during his military career.

Charlie served in the Korean War, two tours in Viet Nam, Germany and many other duty stations in the United States, to include Texas and Hawaii. After retiring from the U.S Army on December 31, 1973, he continued his education and became a licensed Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic (HV) with the Civil Service.

Charlie accepted Christ at an early age at Southern Hill Baptist Church in Canton, Mississippi, under the leadership of the late Rev. Winston. In 1964 he joined Friendship Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. C. Lewis McFadden. He attended Sunday School regularly and also served as an Usher. Charlie served faithfully on the Board of Directors at Friendship. Charlie was bestowed the prestigious honor of Honorary Deacon at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church by Rev. Dr. Anthony Dunham.

Charlie Collins, Past Master 33, was a member Peninsula Lodge #46, a subordinate of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Mason State of California Inc.; Grand Inspector General in Jerome Consistory #328; Treasurer of Attica Commandry #16 Knight Templar and Jeremiah Chapter #19 Holy Royal Arch; and Past Patron of Carmelita Chapter #38 OES. Charlie was a lifetime member of the NAACP.

During the 45 years he lived on the Monterey Peninsula, Charlie was very active in serving on several Boards and Commissions to include his favorite, the Monterey County Fish and Game Commission. Charlie’s favorite pastime activity was bowling and he was a senior member of the Seaside Bowling League.

Charlie leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 63 years, Obirta Collins, two sons, Alden Kirk and Kenneth Ray of Seaside; two grandchildren, Keith of Hawaii and Kylie of San Antonio, Texas; two great grandchildren, Azariah and Avyanna of Hawaii; three brothers, Darryl, Keith, and Lennie, of Canton, Mississippi; a nephew, Tony Franklin, of Abilene, Texas; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other loved ones.

Arrangements under the direction of Bayside Community Mortuary, Seaside, CA.