Carlos Ray Collier

Carlos Ray Collier, 80, of Concord, Michigan, passed away at home under the care of his loving wife Paula and Elara Caring Hospice. He was born on December 22, 1944, in Delbarton, West Virginia to Arnold and Zelda Collier. One of 14 children. Carlos was employed at Harvard Industries since he was 18 years old. After working 39 years he retired at the age of 57.

In his free time, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, strumming on his guitar and storytelling. He loved planting a huge garden every summer and took pride in its beauty, making sure rows were straight and no weeds were allowed. He also loved his flowers, whether they were the ones he planted or an arrangement he bought. He enjoyed watching sports and his favorite team “University of Michigan”.

Carlos and his wife, Paula, were seasonal campers for over 20 years at Potawatomi Campgrounds. He loved when the Kids and Grandkids and family members came for day visits or spending the weekends. He enjoyed helping gather turtles for the turtle races and telling his stories, especially the one about “Johnnie” (depending on your age how scary he told). He would love to always wait until Grandkids were all up and then send them in to wake up their Granny (so he did not get into trouble waking his wife) to ask, “what was for breakfast”.

He is survived by his wife Paula of 37 years. Children: Tracy (Pablo) Lerma of Albion, Arnie (Suzanne) Collier of Concord, Robert (Jen) Collier of Munising, Aaron Collier of Albion, Cameron Collier of Munising, Jason (Tara) Collier of Detroit, Jamie (Marla) Endicott of Battle Creek and Ashley (Abigail) of Munising. 14 Grandchildren and 5 Great Grandchildren. Brothers: Stanton (Judy) Collier and Joe (Annette) Collier, Sisters: Patricia Bailey and Cheryl (Jerry) Dean. Along with many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents Arnold and Zelda Collier and nine siblings.

Carlos’s family will receive family and friends for visitation on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 1:00 pm until the time of funeral service at 2:00 pm at J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home, 811 Finley Dr., Albion, MI. He will be laid to rest in Maple Grove Cemetery in Concord, MI.

Following the services, the family is extended an invite to the funeral dinner at New Beginning Worship Center, 25013 W. Michigan Ave., Albion, MI for an opportunity to share a meal, memories and fellowship.

Memorial contributions may be made to Elara Caring Hospice of Jackson, Michigan.

To leave online messages of condolence, please visit www.kevintiddfuneralhome.com