March 7, 1934 - May 28, 2024
Bradenton, Florida -
Gerald (Bud) Balfour Collins, 90, of Bradenton died peacefully May 28, 2024. Bud was born in North Carolina, one of 13 children to Hugh and Paralee Collins.
Bud served in the Navy from February 1952 through March 1955 as a Naval Hospital Corpsman 1st class. He was stationed aboard the USS Bremerton CA-130 that toured with the 7th fleet in the Korean War zone. He was awarded several service medals and was honorably discharged.
After the Navy, Bud resided in Long Beach, California. In 1959, he completed study at the Los Angeles School of Mortuary Science. He married his first wife, Pearl, and had 2 children, Janice and Curt.
In 1980, Bud moved to Bradenton where he met, Elizabeth (Liz) and they were married in 1981.
Bud worked at Tropicana Products for 37 years. After 21 years as a Quality Control Specialist, he retired and then owing to his gregarious personality and dedication he was contracted for 16 years to lead corporate tours.
Bud was a member of the American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24 and enjoyed golf and the theatre. He and Liz often volunteered at the Manatee Player's theatre.
He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Elizabeth Collins, a daughter, Janice (Jim) Williams and son, Curt Collins, 5 step-children, 7 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and a brother, Mac Collins.
Relatives and friends are invited to a memorial and committal service at Manasota Memorial Park, East Chapel, 1221 53rd Avenue East, (South side of State Route 70), Bradenton, FL on Thursday, June 20, 2024 beginning at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in memory of Bud to a charity of your choice.
