Charles Edward Collins

Charles Edward Collins, 74, departed this life on November 8, 2020 in Salisbury, MD. He was born February 13, 1946 and as an infant, was adopted and raised by the late Arthur and Estella Collins-Tindley of Newark, MD. He graduated high school from the Worcester County Public School system. He was a military veteran, having served in Vietnam from 1967-69 with the United States Army. Charles was a professional long-distance truck driver and was known as “Swamp Fox” by his fellow truckers. He drove for Levin Twilley, Glasgow & Davis, William P. Hearne Produce Company and Aim Trucking Company. He self-started the Collins Family Inc. trucking company, which he owned for several years. His passion was over the road trucking and he was always a great and helpful resource to anyone who was lost and/or needed directions. Charles was a devoted fan of the Price Is Right and the Young and the Restless. He was also an unshakable, unwavering sports fan of the Washington “Redskins” Football team to the very end. He was a loving father, caring grandfather and cherished uncle. He will be fondly remembered for his concern of others and the reply when questioned about himself of, “I’m good, I’m good.” In addition to his adoptive parents, Charles was preceded in death by a daughter, Andrea Collins, a grandson, Tyler Polk, and a granddaughter, Whitney Finney; five brothers, Rudolph, Thomas, Lawrence, Michael and Lester; and six sisters, Doris, Arcessa, Esterine, Martha, Addie and Betty Ann. His marriages to Lillian Bowden and Patricia Morton-Harrison ended in divorce. Charles leaves to cherish his memory, five sons, Lafayette Collins of Salisbury, MD, Terrance Collins Sr. of New Jersey, Michelangelo Collins Sr. (Melanie), Andre Collins Sr. both of Salisbury, MD, and Henry Landrum, of Pittsville, MD; two daughters, Lisa (Robert) Polk of Hebron, MD, and Lora Collins of Greenbelt, MD; seventeen grandchildren, Terrance Jr., Shakkia, TaShaela, Danielle, Kiante, Maurice, Angela, Michelangelo, Jr., Andre, Jr., Tia, Tiffany, Tanesha, Bradley, Jessica, Shania, Lamar and Rasul “Jamyl”; eight great-grandchildren; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends, including his fellow truckers. The children would like to extend a heartfelt appreciation to Charles’ cousin, Andrew Tindley, for his love and support of their Dad throughout the years, especially the early ones. “If you love me, set me free.” (Leela James) Rest easy, Dad. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a public memorial service will be held at a future date.

Charles Edward Collins

February 13, 1946 - November 8, 2020