Charles Andrew (Andy) Collings Jr. passed peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, January 20th, 2024. He was 85 years old. He is now resting peacefully with his wife, Johnnie.
Andy is survived by his sons Doug (Mary Kay) and Chuck (Cathy) and his grandchildren.
Andy was born in Los Angeles, California to Charles and Lewan Collings. When he was very young his family relocated to Atlanta where he grew up with his brother John.
After high school, Andy went to Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering. After attending Georgia Tech, Andy went into the Navy from 1960-63 where he was a Lieutenant Junior Grade. He then traveled to Indiana, where he attended and received his Master’s Degree in Engineering at Purdue University. It was in Indiana that he met his wife Johnnie, who he was married to for 58 years. In 1979, Andy and his family moved to Bellefontaine, Ohio.
Andy and his late wife Johnnie loved their hometown of Bellefontaine Ohio, where they were a great friend to many. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church, where he was a trustee. He had fun participating in the men’s group, Bible studies, and the outreach programs that the church did. He liked visiting the nursing home residents to give a friendly hello and to spend time with them.
Andy enjoyed holding various positions in the Lion’s Club, including President. He was involved with a lot of charity work. He helped run the OneSight program, which provides glasses to those in need. He also had fun working at the county fair with the Lion’s Club. Andy was in Boy Scouts leadership roles before and after his sons, Doug and Chuck, were Scouts. He served both as a Scout leader and on the Council. It was something special that he shared with his sons. He also enjoyed bridge club, and all the travels he did with his wife Johnnie and the travel club.
Andy will be remembered by his loving family and his friends as father, grandfather, and friend. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him.