Obituaries

Howard Lee Collier

Photo of Howard Lee Collier
Howard Lee Collier, born on January 7, 1932, in Montgomery County, Arkansas, to the late William Floyd and Lou Etta Collier, passed away November 12, 2014. He is preceded in death by his brothers, Cecil, Lessel, Loyd, Glen, and Grady Collier; sisters, Jennie Tidwell, Lennie Tackett, Lottie Long, and Wille Bee Ragsdale. He is survived by one sister, Bennie Sue Lambert. He married the love of his life, Mary Catherine Tidwell, on December 11, 1950, and had four children; Kathy Lee Collier Warford (Owen Warford) of Memphis, Tenn., Tommy Howard Collier (Janet Burks Collier), Otty Lou Collier Newcomb (James Mitchell "Mickey" Newcomb), and Michael Dwain Collier (Tammy Gibson Collier), all of Benton. Howard and Catherine have 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces and nephews. He graduated from Amity High School in 1950, where he played football, basketball, and ran track. Howard and Catherine made their home in Carlsbad, New Mexico, for 17 years, where all of their children were born. They were charter members of Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Carlsbad, and he was ordained a deacon there. He was a master electrician employed by US Borax in Carlsbad for over 15 years. The family moved to Arkansas in 1967 where Howard was employed by Alcoa Aluminum Company in Bauxite, Arkansas, for 26 years. He retired in 1993 and began Collier Electric, where no job was too small. He was a member and deacon of Cross Roads Missionary Baptist Church for over 45 years, where he was highly involved in their building programs. He was often found ministering to families who were grieving or sick, and made many long time friendships. Howard was an avid deer hunter and enjoyed hunting trips with brothers and family. He was a devoted husband, father, and Pappa, and will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Catherine wishes to thank family and friends for their compassionate, prayerful support the last several years as he fought the battle of Alzheimer's. Also, a thank you goes to the staff of Arkansas Hospice for its home care of Howard. Arrangements under the direction of Smith Benton Funeral Home. Funeral service, officiated by Dr. Bob Wiegel, will be held Saturday, November 15th, 11 a.m. at Cross Roads Missionary Baptist Church, 10019 Lily Drive, Benton, Ark. 72015. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service, 10-11 a.m. Memorial gifts may be sent to Cross Roads Missionary Baptist Church. For information, call 501-778-7100. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

Published November 14, 2014

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