Charles “Cliff” Collins, 74, of Greenwood, Mississippi, passed away peacefully in Nashville, TN, on Saturday, February 25, 2023, after a long battle with kidney disease. He was born in Drew, Mississippi, to Dewitt and Beatrice (Wilson) Collins on November 29, 1948. Charles grew up in Minter City, Mississippi, with nine brothers and four sisters, working on the family farm, having fun with cousins and neighborhood friends, and enjoying the “country boy” life. He attended Amanda Elzy High School, where he developed lifelong friendships and an appreciation for learning. At Amanda Elzy, he met Cassie Mae Osborne, his beautiful and devoted wife of 44 years (married May 18, 1977). Unto their union, two daughters were born, Kanika Fatima and Shani Kehinde.
During his 20s, Charles enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving his country during the Vietnam Era, a time of great social unrest and uncertainty. Understanding the importance of family, he was honorably discharged from the Air Force and returned to Minter City to help his parents with farming duties. As a young man, Charles continued to discover his God-given skills as a master builder, innovator, and craftsman. He went on to earn an Associate of Arts in Agriculture and Construction Studies at Coahoma Community College.
Charles worked in the trucking industry for many years and drove a big red 18-wheeler nationwide. He also worked at the Mississippi State Penitentiary. The United States Corp of Engineers employed him as a Senior Heavy Machinery Operator until his retirement in November 2011. Nearly 20 years ago, Charles recommitted his life to Christ. He joined Friendship MB Church in Greenwood, MS, where he attended bible study and Sunday school, participated in the Laymen’s Ministry, assisted with church beautification projects, participated in Men’s Day programs, and with his presence, supported the church’s ongoing functions.
He loved spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He enjoyed working in his yard, cutting grass, painting, taking on building projects, watching Westerns, taking drives in his truck, drinking Dr. Pepper, eating Cassie’s homecooked meals, and socializing with all who knew him. He loved taking risks and was not afraid to stand on a roof, climb a tall ladder, or go out and look at the sky during a thunderstorm.
He would help anyone in need, especially his neighbors and seniors. He would cut their grass and assist with home repairs. He was not a man for many words, but when he did speak, he spoke with old-fashioned wisdom and logic. He spent the last three years of his life in Clarksville, TN, next to his wife of 44 years, often comforting her, joking with her, and holding her hand.
With his loving and devoted son-in-law, Timothy, by his bedside, Charles peacefully transitioned from this earthly life to spend paradise with Christ. Charles would want us to think of the joy he brought into our lives, to reflect on our fondest memories with him, and to know that in the end, he was at peace, surrounded by love, brave, and strong in spirit.
He leaves to cherish his life and legacy his loving wife, Cassie; children, Kanika (Reginald) Collins Sharp of Durham, NC; Dr. Shani (Timothy) Collins Woods of Clarksville, TN; Charles and Michael Blanchard of Toledo, OH; grandchildren: Sidney, Reginald, II, and Lailah Sharp; two brothers: Ricky Collins of Marana, Arizona and Ronnie (Brenda) Collins of Drew, MS; two sisters: Ethel Day of Ridgeland, MS and Dr. Patricia (Arnhein) Cumbee of Westfield, IN as well as beloved cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
The memorial service will be held at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Antioch, TN, on Monday, March 6, 2023, at 11:00 a.m.
New Generation Funeral Home in Antioch, TN, will oversee the funeral arrangements. Interment will be held at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Woodlawn Memorial Park in Nashville, TN.