Ted C. Collins

Illustrious Brother Ted C. Collins, 33°

Past Grand Master of Masons in Georgia Sovereign Grand Inspector General in Georgia, Scottish Rite (SJ)

Illustrious Brother Ted Carlton Collins, 33°, of Unadilla, Georgia, entered into eternal rest on October 17, 2025, at the age of 75.

Born on May 29, 1950, to Wendell and Christine Collins, Ted grew up in Unadilla, where faith, family, and service shaped the course of his life. He graduated from Unadilla High School in 1968 and later earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from Georgia Southwestern University in 1972.

In 1973, Ted married Charlene Greene of Oglethorpe, Georgia, his devoted wife and lifelong companion. Together they shared fifty-one years of marriage, raising one daughter, Wendy Collins Chadwell, and delighting in their granddaughter, Weslynn Chadwell, who brought great joy to their later years.

Ted spent more than three decades in public service as a dedicated employee of the United States Postal Service, retiring in 2006. In his community, he was known for his calm demeanor, quick wit, and steadfast kindness. A member of Unadilla Methodist Church for over sixty years, he served faithfully in many leadership roles, including Administrative Board Chairman.

His Masonic journey began in Millwood Lodge No. 198 in Pinehurst, Georgia, where he was Raised a Master Mason on March 10, 1977. He went on to serve as Worshipful Master (1991–1993), Secretary (1997–1999), and Ambassador to the Masonic Children’s Home (2018–2021). His faithful service and steady character earned him the respect of Masons throughout the state.

In 2007, the brethren of Georgia elected him as Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Georgia, the highest honor within the Grand Lodge. His leadership was marked by humility, fairness, and a genuine desire to strengthen the Craft for generations to come. He later served as Grand Orator (2011–2012) and on numerous Grand Lodge committees, continuing to share his counsel and experience well into his later years.

In 2017, Ted was appointed Deputy of the Supreme Council of the Scottish Rite, Southern Jurisdiction, and later that same year was named Sovereign Grand Inspector General in Georgia, the highest Scottish Rite office in the state. In this role, he guided and inspired thousands of Masons, always with a gentle word and a humble heart.

He was also a member of Al Sihah Shrine Center in Macon, where his service and generosity further reflected his love for the Masonic family.

Illustrious Brother Collins’s nearly five decades of Masonic service were built upon a simple principle—faith in God and love for his fellow man. His leadership, compassion, and unwavering integrity leave a legacy that will continue to guide Georgia Masons for years to come.

Ted is survived by his beloved wife, Charlene Collins of Bonaire; his daughter, Wendy Collins Chadwell (George) of Bonaire; his granddaughter Weslynn Chadwell of Boniare; his sister-in-law,  Kaye Collins of Unadilla; his nieces, Christy Duffy (Josh) of Meansville and Carol Kessinger (Luke) of Byron; and a host of dear friends and Masonic brethren across the state and nation.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM Tuesday, October 21 in Unadilla Methodist Church.

The family will greet friends 6 -8 PM Monday, October 20 at the funeral home.

The family requests donations be made to Unadilla Methodist Church, PO Box 328, Unadilla, GA 31091 or to the Scottish Rite Foundation of Georgia, Inc. (for scholarships or the RiteCare Program) PO Box 7927, Warner Robins, GA 31095.

Brannen-NeSmith Funeral Home of Unadilla has charge of arrangements.