Milton Collier Jr.

Milton Collier, Jr. was born on August 23, 1940 and departed this life on December 30, 2018 at the age of 78. Preceded in death by his parents, Milton Collier, Sr. and Daisy Casey Collier; and brother, Norman L. Collier. Survived by devoted and loving wife, Jonnie Wimberly Collier; son, Milton Jon Collier and his wife, Tori Humphrey Collier; sisters, Shirley M. Collier Stephens and Yvonne Collier Alexander; and grandchildren, Bryce, Bailey, and Cannon Collier along with a host of cousins and friends. Born and raised in Little Rock, Milton was an honor student who graduated in 1958 from Horace Mann High School. After graduating at 17, Milton joined the U.S. Army where he studied to become a radio communication operator. Upon completion of his tour of duty, he was honorably discharged and enrolled at Philander Smith College. He later transferred to the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where he graduated with a Business Administration degree in 1968. Throughout his work career, he was valued as a loyal, hardworking, dedicated worker who moved up the ranks to managerial positions at Chicopee Manufacturing Company, Teletype/AT&T and International Corporation. His longest tenure was at AT&T where he completed 20 years employment service from which he retired. Milton was a lifetime member of Union A.M.E. Church and was a talented singer. He sang with the following choirs at Union A.M.E. Church: Gospel Choir, Mass Choir and Sons of Allen Men's Choir. His community singing started with his participation in the Thompson Polyphonics, which was under the direction of Mr. Edgar Thompson. He also loved singing with the Spirit of the 12th Mass Choir under the direction Mrs. Gladys Gill-Facen, but his passion was the Art Porter Singers, previously under the direction of Mr. Art Porter Sr. and presently under the direction of Mr. Sterling Ingram. He later joined the UALR Gospel Chorale under the direction of Mrs. Carolyn Foreman. Numerous churches called him to participate with them for special programs. Milton spent several years as Assistant Superintendent of Union's Church School, formerly known as Sunday School. Other extracurricular activities included Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Horace Mann High School Class of 1958 reunion committee. Celebration of Life services will be held January 5, 2019 at Union A.M.E. Church at 11 a.m. The Omega Service by Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated, will be held at 10 a.m. with viewing to follow. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Philander Smith College Collegiate Choir in care of the Office of Institutional Advancement or "For the Love of Art" Scholarship Foundation in care of Mr. Sterling Ingram. Interment will be at the Arkansas Veterans' Cemetery, North Little Rock, at 11 a.m., Tuesday, January 8, 2019. Services entrusted to Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 Chester Street, Little Rock, Ark. (501) 372-1305.