In Memoriam Charles "Chuck" Collings
Former Raley's CEO Charles 'Chuck' Collings has passed away. Mr. Collings was actively involved with the West Sacramento company for nearly 50 years. He passed away this weekend at the age of 87. Mr. Collings retired in 1998, but continued to serve on the company's board after retirement. He was first elected to the board in 1957.
Mr. Collings' career in the grocery industry began in a small grocery store in Ada, Oklahoma, according to the Sacramento Bee. At 16, he became grocery manager of the store. Mr. Collings served three years in the U.S. Navy during World War II at which point he then returned to work for a wholesale meat packer.
In 1956, Chuck was recruited by Tom Raley, Company Founder, to join Raley's management team. In 1969, Mr. Collings became President of Raley's Superstores. In 1992, Mr. Collings was appointed Raley's CEO. He stayed on the board of directors until 2006, with additional title of CEO Emeritus.
Michael Teel, current Raley's President and CEO, and the grandson of Founder Tom Raley, was noted as saying, "Chuck was Raley's. He was a strong leader who set high expectations for business performance and a moral tone for all to follow."
Mr. Collings is past chairman of the California Grocers Association and of the CGA Educational Foundation. In 1998, he was inducted into the California Grocers' Hall of Fame.
A local memorial service will be held near the end of this month.
AndNowUKnow would like to extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Collings family and friends.
