Steven Byron Collie

On February 15, 2026, Heaven gained a man who loved big, laughed loud, and lived with a faith as steady as the sunrise. Steve Collie, beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and friend, stepped into eternity surrounded by the love he spent his whole life giving away.

His faith was the anchor of his life. But the greatest earthly treasure God ever gave him was his wife and sweetheart of 52 years, Mary Elizabeth. Their love story began at Lake Ouachita; just two young hearts who somehow already knew they had found a home in each other. What started as a summer spark grew into a lifetime of unwavering devotion to each other. Together, they weathered storms that would have broken lesser bonds. She nursed him through a double lung transplant, stood by him through the paralyzing and debilitating battle with Guillain-Barré Syndrome, and they faced countless health scares with courage rooted in love. Through every trial, every valley, every miracle, they walked hand in hand. Their marriage was a living testimony of faithfulness to God, to each other, and to the vows they made so many years ago with their whole hearts. They were together until the very end.

Steve’s faith led him to teach. For 33 years, he poured his talent and patience into teaching graphic design at Metropolitan Career-Technical Center. Generations of students learned far more than design from him; they learned integrity, creativity, and how to laugh even when the computer froze for the third time that day. He loved teaching Sunday School with the same enthusiasm he brought to everything else, with a Bible in one hand and a joke ready in the other. Missionaries found a second home under his roof, and his church family, Sunday School brothers, and chosen family were woven into the fabric of his daily life.

When he wasn’t shaping young minds, he was happiest outdoors. Hunting and fishing weren’t just hobbies; they were sacred family traditions, especially when shared with his best buddy and only grandchild, Cash Allen Heath. Those two were inseparable partners in adventure, mischief, and they cherished every tall tale that they came home with from deer camp or their coveted “Dude Days” with Dearl Brown.

He adored his only child, Ashley Heath of Benton, who remained the apple of his eye from the moment she arrived. And he admired and loved his son-in-law Jason, especially his cooking. His family was his treasure, and he guarded it with a joyful, generous heart.

His extended family meant the world to him. He loved spending time with his Louisiana cousins, his Chicago cousins, his Collie cousins, and every friend who became family along the way. They were all part of the tapestry of people who shaped him, loved him, and shared in the stories that became family legend.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William L. Collie and June A. Cochran Collie; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jerome O. Wright and Betty J. Standard Wright; one brother, Jerald A. Collie; and one brother-in-law, Romie Wright.

He is survived by his wife and lifelong love, Mary Elizabeth Collie of Traskwood; his daughter, Ashley Heath and her loving husband Jason of Benton; and his grandson, Cash Allen Heath, who was the joy of his life. He is also survived by his siblings Wayne Collie (Beverly) and Teresa Mitchell (Bob); and his nieces and nephews, Valerie Rosenow (Eric), Eric Purtle (Honey), Nathan Collie, Ricky Perciful (Tonya), Robert Mitchell (Le’Anne), JD Wright (Amanda), Jeri Lin Hooks (Chris), Alexxis Collie and many great nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his adopted family, Jim and Tami Draper, and their daughters, Taylor and Madison, who held a special place in his heart.

Steve Collie leaves behind a legacy of resilience, faith, laughter, generosity, and love. And while his earthly journey has ended, his impact is evident in every life he touched.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Arkansas’ organ donation and recovery program, ARORA, or to Geyer Springs First Baptist Church.

And if you feel so led, the family encourages you to consider becoming an organ donor Just one simple act can give the gift of life, just as he once received.

Visitation service will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Geyer Springs First Baptist Church at 10:00 a.m. (CT), followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m.

A graveside burial service will take place at 2:00 p.m. at Pinecrest Cemetery.