Harry Ray Collier

Collier, Harry Ray, 81, of Deerfield Beach, FL passed away on December 6, 2015. A native of Deerfield Beach, Ray was born on April 22, 1934, to the late Harry W. and Esca J. Collier at their home in Deerfield. He never lived farther than two blocks from his birthplace. He attended Deerfield Elementary School and graduated in 1952 from Pompano Beach Senior High School. In 1953, he began his career as an employee of the Post Office where he served as a clerk until he was appointed as the Postmaster of the Deerfield Beach Post Office, a position he would hold for over 22 years. He was the longest serving Postmaster in Deerfield history, and at the age of 30, he was the youngest Postmaster in the State of Florida.

Ray was a charter member of the Deerfield Rotary Club, served as the charter secretary, and was an active Rotarian from 1965-1987. He was also a charter member of the Deerfield Beach Historical Society, serving two terms as President and serving as the Deerfield Beach City Historian. A Broward County Pioneer, he served on the Broward County Historical Society for 30 years. Additionally, he worked for the Broward County School District for 13 years in the Transportation Department and was an active member of First Baptist Church in Pompano Beach. Ray’s life was defined by the history he lived, his dedicated public service, and his loving family.

Ray is survived by his wife Gwen, his son Dr. Ronald (Prado) Gironda of Tampa, his daughter Angela (Alex) Shanks, and his grandchildren Madison Bales, Jack Shanks and Lily Kate Shanks. He was preceded in death by his brother Ted Collier of Dade City, FL. He is survived by his sister Faye (Chris) Wagner of Roswell, GA, his sister-in-law Carol Collier of Dade City, FL, and his nieces and nephews Christopher and Kevin Wagner; Jennifer, Alice and Eric Collier; and Becci Powell.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, December 11, at Kraeer Funeral Home 200 N. Federal Highway in Pompano Beach. Visitation will begin at 11 AM on Friday at Kraeer. Internment at Deerfield Beach Cemetery will follow the service with a reception after internment at the Butler House at 380 East Hillsboro Blvd. in Deerfield Beach. In lieu of flowers, donations may be designated to Deerfield Beach Historical Society, P.O. Box 755, Deerfield Beach, FL 33443.