Chad Collins Obituary

COLLINS - Chad McRae Collins, 56, of Kingsland, passed away Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, at Jacksonville National Cemetery in Jacksonville, Fla., with full military honors.
Chad was born July 25, 1969, in Tampa, Fla., to Maurice Dempsey Collins and Dottie Sue McDaniel Hodnett.
Chad was a graduate of Armwood High School in Seffner, Fla., and retired from the U.S. Navy, where he received numerous awards and medals, including the Battle E Ribbon, Kosovo Campaign Medal with 2 bronze stars, Oversea Service Ribbon, Good Conduct Award (three times), NATO Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (two times).
Chad loved all animals, watching History documentaries, fishing and scuba diving. He also enjoyed model building, such as cars, trains and exact replicas of military boats. Chad started welding in high school as a hobby that he truly enjoyed and won awards because of his welding talents. He went on to make a career out of welding.
Survivors include his mother, Dottie Hodnett of Brandon, Fla.; wife of eight years, Tamera L. Collins of Kingsland, Ga.; son, Aaron Collins of Jacksonville, Fla.; stepson, Michael Taylor (Victoria) of Folkston, Ga.; brother, Alan Collins (Kathryn) of Land O'Lakes, Fla.; grandchildren, William and Parker Taylor; beloved dog, Ruby; and several nieces and nephews. Chad was preceded in death by his father, Maurice Dempsey Collins.
Allison Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.