Charles "Captain Bill" W. Berlin

Charles "Captain Bill" W. Berlin, 79 of Grand Rivers, Kentucky passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Southgate Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Metropolis, Illinois.

Born Sunday, May 4, 1947 in Danville, Indiana, he was the son of the late Lester Berlin and the late Loretta White  Berlin. He was self employed as a boat captain. He was an Air Force Veteran in Vietnam.

Captain Bill Berlin was well known at Green Turtle Bay as well as many other marinas from here to Florida to Massachusetts. He moved is Gibson houseboat to Green Turtle Bay 30 years ago, after he sent his two sons to college. He raised them as a single father in Plainfield, IN. Shortly after his arrival at Green Turtle Bay, he took the Captain's class and held a two ton license for 28 years. He also taught the Captain's class for several years. 

He began delivering boats of many styles and sizes. After delivery season, he would take his own boat to the Keys or Gulf Shores for the winter. He later traded the Gibson houseboat for a trawler named Nomad. He was frequently at the "Club" nursing a scotch at the corner seat. Several years ago, he purchased a 62 ft houseboat for space and comfort. He has lived on Pier 5, all 30 years.

He held a divers license for 64 years. He performed many commercial diving tasks at Green Turtle Bay and at other stops on the waters, diving for work or pleasure along his way, he always kept an air compressor on his boat.

Surviving are his son, Kenny Berlin of Nashville, TN, and his brother, Doug Berlin of Golden Valley, AZ.

He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Todd Berlin.

There are no services planned at this time.

All arrangements are being conducted by Collier Funeral Home and Cremation Services, located at 211 West 5th Street Benton, KY 42025. 270-527-3141.