Clarence Winston Collier

Clarence Winston Collier, 80, passed away on Saturday, November 5, 2011, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Johnnie and Joe Beach. He was born to Leamon and Ida Mae Collier in Town Creek on February 28, 1931. He was preceded in death by both parents, his wife, Tsuyuko "Susie" and all seven siblings, brothers, Jake, Hezzy, Bill and Walter Collier and sisters, Pauline Weems, Mary Muston and Idean Weems. His survivors include children, David Collier (Joan), Judy Brown (Calvin), Jane Goodman (Tod), Johnnie Beach (Joe) and Donald Collier (Seanette). He was most proud of his grandchildren who are Rachel Coleman (Kevin), Jessica Collier, Hood Mullican (Anna), John Mullican, Winn Mullican, Isabella Goodman, Julia Brown, Pete Brown, Grant Goodwin, Scarlette Collier and Sophie Collier and great-grandchildren, Gabby Coleman, Haleigh Moss and Sarah Jo Moss. Mr. Collier retired from the Navy after 20 years of honorable service. He returned to Courtland and taught Naval Science and ROTC at Huntsville High School. He later attended Calhoun Community College and Samford University and earned his Ministerial Degree. One of his happiest days was the day he and Susie were asked to pastor Belmor Baptist Church. He was a lifelong member of Courtland Baptist Church where he faithfully attended.

Visitation for Mr. Collier will be tonight from 6 to 8 at Roselawn Funeral Home. Funeral will be Tuesday November 8, 2011, at 2 p.m. at Courtland Baptist Church with Brother Scotty Letson and Brother Bill Reding officiating. Burial will be in Blackground Cemetery. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Special thanks to Missy and Nicole of Hospice for their care and support. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Scott Matthews for being a wonderful doctor and friend. Mr. Collier loved Dr. Matthews and would say "he tells it like it is". Also, the family will always be grateful for the very special care given by Johnnie and Joe during their dad's illness.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of the Valley or Courtland Baptist Church Building Fund.

Arrangements under the direction of Roselawn Funeral Home and Cemetery, Decatur, AL.