Becker-Rabon Funeral Home
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did but people will never forget how you made them feel. " - Maya Angelou
It is with great sadness that the family of CSM (Retired) Johnnie Collier completed his journey home to glory on November 11, 2024, leaving a full life and an indelible legacy for all who met him. A true soldier, taking his wreath on Veteran's Day to join his beloved wife of 68 years and the heroes he served with. A dedicated family man, Dad radiated nuggets of life's wisdom and knowledge uplifting and encouraging all. He loved telling life stories with a smile and bringing joy to those who were blessed enough to be educated by his wisdom.
Humorous, quick-witted and full of life, he would frequently be found enjoying the simple things in life that he so proudly defended. Sitting in his favorite chair outside with a cup of coffee, enjoying brisk walks to "recon" the neighborhood and enjoying the company of those he surrounded himself with. He manifested the life of what a good soldier, husband, father and friend should be: service-driven, loving, honorable, respectable, grateful and joyous.
Dad was born on December 12,1933 in Kendall, Florida to Berry and Lillie Mae (Pinkney) Collier. He married Pearlie Greene on March 8,1952 in Webster, Florida, who preceded him in death on December 29, 2021.
He enlisted in the Army at 18 years old and during his 28-year military career, he served two tours of duty in Vietnam and was the recipient of numerous awards to include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal with Second Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal and the Parachutist Badge.
Following his retirement from the Army in March 1981, he worked for a year as a bus driver for Lawton Public Schools, then accepted a position with Civil Service at Fort Sill and worked with DOL until his retirement in 1998.
He was a member of Grant Chapel AME Church. He was also a lifetime member of the DAV and the Buffalo Soldiers Cavalry Association. He enjoyed eating, fishing, gardening, fixing things (especially cars) and just simply staying busy. He could not stand still for long.
He is survived by his six children and their spouses; Barbara (Stan) Jackson, Jacquelyn Collier, Sharon (CSM Retired Hershel) Turner, Sandy Collier, Pamela (Jason) Rogers, and Samuel Collier; 15 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren, his brother, Leroy Collier and sister, Jeanette Collier, cousins and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife, both parents, his eldest son, Johnnie Collier, Jr, his youngest daughter, Carol Lynn and four sisters, Geraldine Matthews, Ozzie Mae Collier, Irene Williams and Betty Lou Edwards.
Funeral service for CSM (Retired) Johnnie Collier will be held at 10:30 am on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at Grant Chapel AME Church with Rev. Hershel Turner delivering the eulogy.
Burial with full military honors will follow at Fort Sill National Cemetery, Elgin, under direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.
The family will greet friends from 5 pm - 7 pm on Monday, November 18, 2024 at the funeral home.
An online guest book and sympathy cards are available at www.beckerfuneral.com
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