Clarence B. Collier Jr.

Mr. Collier was born November 26, 1924, in Boaz, Ala., grew up in Clayton, Ala., and passed away on December 20, 2013, in Gadsden after an extended illness. He was the son of Clarence B. Collier and Grace Tankersley and is survived by his wife of 62 years, Janette Knight Collier; son, Lynn (Perree Reeves); daughter, Martha (Rev. Jack Beall); five grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.A graduate of Marion Military Institute and Vanderbilt University, Mr. Collier served in the United States Marine Corps in the Pacific during World War II.Mr. Collier was employed as an engineer in Barbour County and then moved to Gadsden in 1949 to begin work as Gadsden's first City Planner. He worked for the City of Gadsden as the Director of Planning and Engineering, Secretary of the Building Authority and Secretary of the Gadsden Industrial Development Board. Mr. Collier was appointed mayor to complete the term of Mayor Les Gilliland. Following that time, Mr. Collier served as the first Director of the Water Works and Sewer Board until he completed his career, totaling 41 years of service to the people of Gadsden.C.B. Collier Jr. was both a deacon and an elder at First Presbyterian Church, Gadsden, before moving his membership to Rainbow Presbyterian Church to assist with church revitalization there. Collier served as an elder at Rainbow Presbyterian for many years.A funeral service will be held at Rainbow Presbyterian Church on Monday, Dec. 23, at 2 p.m. The family will receive guests at the church beginning at 12:30 p.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials gifts are requested for Rainbow Presbyterian Church, 3220 Rainbow Drive, Rainbow City, AL 35906.Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services directing.Online condolences may be made to the family at www.collier-butler.com.