Charles Wesley Collier Jr.

April 25, 1943 - July 2, 2020

Charles Wesley Collier, Jr.- the Man, the Myth, the Legend- and beloved husband, father, Grandpa, and Poppy, closed his eyes on earth to open them in Heaven on the evening of July 2, 2020. Charles was born April 25, 1943 in Port Arthur, Texas, and his proximity to the sea he enjoyed so much would play a big part in his life’s pathways. As a young man, he enlisted in the Navy and proudly served until his honorable discharge in 1965. In 1968, he married the love of his life, Rita Kaye Hays, and together they made a life filled with love for each other and their family. As a result of growing up around the Gulf and having served in the Navy, Charles understandably had a love for fishing and the outdoors. Throughout his life, many of his best memories were spent with family and friends while fishing or just being able to gather and spend time together. Charles was devoted to the Lord and his life was also spent encouraging others in their walk with Him. His ability to help anyone see that the unconditional love that Jesus has for all was a defining hallmark of Charles’ lifelong ministry. In addition to being a true servant of the Lord, Charles was a devoted family man with a special talent for being a grandfather. Although Charles was everyone’s “Poppy”, he was the very best and most special Grandpa to the lights of his life, his grandchildren: Blade, Collier and Scout. As Charles’ children and grandchildren grew up, his best days were spent watching each of them in their many activities and he supported each of them in everything they tried. While at home, Charles enjoyed studying the Word as well as watching professional sports on TV and, on occasion, getting out to a stadium to see the real thing. A loyal, strong and loving man, Charles will be missed by his family and many friends. Those ready to greet Charles as he stepped into Heaven are his parents, Charles Wesley, Sr, and Grace Collier and sisters, Debra Wilkinson and Barbara Delcambre. Charles is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Rita Collier; children: Amber Lee Montgomery of Electra, TX and Chase Wesley Collier of Wills Point, TX; grandchildren: Blade Montgomery, Collier Montgomery and Scout Montgomery; mother-in-law, Agnes Hays and anticipated arrival in November, 2020 of the first great grandchild, Waylon Ashton Montgomery; very special companion and dog, Ellie May (who the family KNEW would be saved first if there was ever a house fire!) as well as several nieces and nephews and a host of friends, all of whom loved Charles very much. Funeral service for Charles will be 1:00pm, Friday, July 10, 2020, at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel with his family receiving friends 11:00am to service time. Interment will be at DFW National Cemetery at 10:30am, Tuesday, July 14, 2020. For those wishing, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.