Charles J Collins Jr.

COLLINS, JR., CHARLES JOSEPH, passed away peacefully on Dec. 31, 2012, after a short illness. He was born on March 23, 1927 in Orlando, FL son of the late Dr. Charles Joseph Collins, Sr., beloved Orange County physician for many years and the late Jamie Camp Collins. He was a seventh generation Floridian, descended from the group of Minoricans who came to Florida with Turnbull from Spain in 1758. In 1774, they walked up the beach from New Smyrna to St. Augustine settling in historic Spanish colony, descendants living there until recent years. He grew up in Orlando attending school at Delaney Elementary, Cherokee Jr. High and Orlando High School. He was graduated from Staunton Military Academy in Shenandoh Valley, VA. After serving two years in Army at close of WWII, he attended Emory University in Atlanta, GA where he received undergraduate and law degrees. He was president of Phi Delta Pi, national legal fraternity and Editor of Student Notes of Emory LAW REVIEW. His social fraternity was National Phi Delta Theta. As a practicing attorney, one of his most memorable legal accomplishments was the formation in 1968 of Red Lobster Inns of America, the forerunner of Darden Restaurant, Inc. He was a conscientious and considerate lawyer who was honored at 2004 Florida Bar Convention having practiced law in Florida for 50 years. A member of the University Club of Orlando for more than 50 years, he served as president 1970-72, Director FCA, President Kiwanis, Old Timers Club, long time member Country Club of Orlando, served on Board of Directors Orange Regional Medical Center for ten years during establishment of helicopter pad, Sand Lake Hospital and Winnie Palmer Children's Hospital, Chairman of Board Russell Home for Atypical Children for 40 years, lifetime member First United Methodist Church of Orlando where he served as a Stephen Minister for five years. Charlie was a Southern gentleman who loved handwriting personal letters of encouragement, congratulations, or just keeping in touch with friends, an enthusiastic MAGIC fan, a season ticket holder many years, but the FLORIDA GATORS held first lace in this heart of sports. He took great joy in his five grandchildren, Jake, with whom he spent many hours fishing in GA, FL and NC., Hannah Kate, Joe (Charles Joseph) Miles, Kendall and Karson Ligon. Kendall at age nine gave his grandparents ultimate compliment. While entering car to return home in Sarasota, he wistfully commented "I wish "Big Chuck" and "Wheezy" could come live with us." Surviving are his sister Carolyn McLeod, brother Michael Collins, daughters, Jamie Tracy Miles (John) of Madison, GA; Kimberly Page Ligon (Jeff) of Sarasota; and his most devoted wife of 50 years Jo Ann. A Memorial Service will be held Sat., Jan. 5th at 1PM at First Methodist Church of Orlando (corner of Jackson and Magnolia). In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Russell Home for Atypical Children or the charity of your choice .