Charles Edward Collins

Charles Edward “Chuck” Collins

On Sunday, July 12, 2026, our beloved daddy and PawPaw, Charles Edward “Chuck” Collins, entered the arms of Jesus and was joyfully reunited with the love of his life.

Charles was born on October 5, 1928, in Huntington, West Virginia, to Charles Clifford Collins and Olive Luvenia Carr Collins. He lived a life rooted in unwavering faith, devotion to God, love for his family, and service to others.

He retired from CSX in 1990 after 41 years as an electrician. He was a proud member and Secretary-Recorder of IBEW Local Union 549 and was also the owner of Collins Radio and TV. A devoted patriot, Charles proudly served in the United States Navy as an electrician during the Korean War. A battle-tested veteran, he lived a life defined by courage, integrity, perseverance, and an unwavering commitment to his country.

After retirement, he and his beloved wife ,CoraLee, spent many happy years traveling the country and camping together, creating cherished memories wherever the road led them. As members of the National Campers and Hikers Association (NCHA), they proudly earned the titles of King and Queen.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 70 years, Cora Lee Collins; and his cherished in-laws, Albert Cecil Dial and Nellie May Napier Dial, whom he loved as his own parents.

Charles leaves behind a family who will forever treasure his love and example: his daughter and son-in-law, Jeannette (Jan) Collins-Abbett and husband Jeff Abbett; his grandson, whom he affectionately called “the son I always wanted,” Chad Fink and his wife, Beth; his granddaughter, Mindy Fink, and her fiancé, Keebie Gilkerson; his great-grandchildren, Keaton, Millie, and Nora, all of whom lovingly knew him as PawPaw; his sister, Helen Louise Collins-Tomaselli of New Canaan, Connecticut; his brother, Donald Eugene Collins of New Smyrna Beach, Florida; his special bonus daughter, Gennie Sutphin, along with her husband and son, Wesley and Matthew; his many beloved nieces and nephews; and his faithful canine companion, Roo.

Charles’s legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched through his kindness, wisdom, faith, and steadfast love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love, gratitude, and admiration.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to charities that reflected the causes closest to his heart: ASAP Animal Rescue, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

A funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 1pm by Pastor Tony Cox at Westmoreland Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Spring Valley Memory Gardens, Huntington, WV. There will be no visitation prior to the service. Reger Funeral Home, Huntington is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.regerfh.com.