Marc Collier

Sunday, May 3, 2026.

Marc was born on June 9, 1969, in Thomasville, Georgia, to Donna Lee and Marcus Collier.

Marc earned a bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine from Berry College and later continued his education by earning both a Bachelor’s and master’s degree in education. He dedicated most of his career to the Cartersville City School System, where he diligently served students and families for many years, even though he was a Cass Colonel through and through. Marc began his career in the classroom as a video and engineering teacher, where he quickly became known not just as a teacher but as a mentor, encourager, and steady presence in the lives of his students. He believed that every student had a purpose, and he never turned down the opportunity to help them find it. Whether he was teaching, coaching, or cracking jokes, Marc made it his mission to help young people succeed in their academic and future careers.

His leadership and passion for education led him to serve as an assistant administrator and later as CTAE Director and CEO of the College and Career Academy. In these roles, he worked tirelessly to expand opportunities for students, helping them discover career paths, develop real-world skills, and prepare for their life ahead. Marc was always thinking about different ways to build up our school system and community, hoping to make a difference in just one kid’s life. Marc was especially proud of the programs he helped build and the doors he helped open for students across the community, even though he’d never admit it.

On December 4, 1993, Marc married his high school sweetheart, Shawn. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and undying loyalty to one another for 32 years of wonderful marriage. Marc always found new ways to surprise Shawn or put a smile on her face, even if that meant aggravating her to no end, and always ended the conversation with, “She smiled, though.”

Marc’s life was rooted in his faith and his deep love for his family. He lived out his beliefs daily through kindness and quiet devotion, always striving to be a Christ-centered husband, father, son, and friend. There aren't many people who talked to Marc and didn’t hear about Jesus, as his favorite thing was being a disciple of the Lord. Oftentimes in the morning at work, you’d find him sitting behind his desk, reading his bible, and probably sending out bible verses to all his kids. His greatest joy was found at home, surrounded by his family, where laughter, shared meals, and time together meant everything to him. His favorite thing to do was fill our home with laughter, and he never failed to do so. His humor and joyful nature are just two traits that made him an awesome guy. He loved spending time outdoors hunting and fishing, and he never went without talking about how beautiful the Lord’s creation is. He, of course, faithfully took on every project on his “honey-do” list as another way to care for his family, whether it was building a house or fixing the impossible to put a smile on his wife’s face. He was an amazing craftsman, mechanic, and woodworker; he truly was an all-in-one guy who never could turn down a challenge.

Marc was preceded in death by his father, William Marcus Collier Sr., and his cousin, Michael Kierce. He is survived by his loving wife, Shawn; his children, Jackson, Riley (wife Ansley), Ethan, and Meredith; his mother, Donna Lee Collier; his mother-in-law, Sandra Siniard; and his brother, Donnie Collier (wife Jenny) and their children, Abe and Lily. He also leaves behind many extended family members, friends, colleagues, and former students who are deeply impacted by his life.

Marc’s legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, the students he guided, and the family he loved so deeply.

And as Marc would want us to say, Go Canes, and Go colonels.

Visitation will be held at Owen Funeral Home, 12 Collins Dr, Cartersville, Georgia 30120, on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Cartersville First Baptist Church, 241 Douthit Ferry Road, Cartersville, GA 30120, on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 12:00 pm.

Burial will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens, 790 Indian Mound Rd, Cartersville, Georgia 30120, on May 8, 2026.