Chad McRae Collins, 56, of Kingsland, passed away Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services will be held at Jacksonville National Cemetery, in Jacksonville, Florida with full military honors on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, 11:00am.

Chad was born July 25, 1969, in Tampa, FL to Maurice Dempsey Collins and Dottie Sue McDaniel Hodnett.  Chad was a graduate of  Armwood High School in Seffner, FL, and retired from the United States 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, he enjoyed 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 highschool as a hobby that he truly enjoyed and won awards due to his welding talents. He went on to make a career out of welding.

Survivors include his mother; Dottie Hodnett of Brandon, FL, his wife of 8 years; Tamera L. Collins of Kingsland, GA, son; Aaron Collins of Jacksonville, FL, step-son; Michael Taylor ( Victoria), of Folkston, GA, a brother; Alan Collins (Kathryn) of Land O'Lakes, FL., grandchildren; William and Parker Taylor, his 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.