Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Dwight COLLIE Obituary
He was a member of Ivy Memorial Baptist Church since 1980, where he served as Deacon and many other positions in the church. Dwight retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1984, after 33 years, where he specialized in personnel management. He served in Korea and Vietnam and was a recipient of the Bronze star. In 1973, while serving in Vietnam, he played a critical role in the closure of Tan Son Nhut Air Force Base in Saigon. He was a lifetime member of the Air Force Association; the Air Force Sergeants Association; and a Master Mason for 40 years with Lodge #1268 in Schertz, Texas.
He is survived by five children, Brad Collie and his wife, Tammi of Dixon, Calif., Nancy Grounds and her husband, Rich of Huntington Beach, Calif., Suzanne Cecil and her husband, Walter of Newport News, Vickie Crowe of Jasper, Ga., and Lisa Davis and her husband, Tim, of Newport News; a brother, Bernard Collie and his wife, Marie of Destin, Fla.; nine grandchildren, Nicole Draggoo, Kelsey and Kyle Cecil, Joshua Rowland, Casey and Caitlyn Davis, Serenity and Alex Collie, Sierra Crowe; and two great-grandchildren, Tristan and Rayna Draggoo.
Visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m. tonight, Jan. 3, 2010, at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 4, 2010, at Ivy Memorial Baptist Church, with the Rev. John Etcher, officiating. Burial will follow in Hampton Memorial Gardens, with full military honors.
Our heartfelt thanks go to Charlotte and Van, for their love, care and support, as well as Heartland Hospice, especially Heather, Mozelle, Martha, and Lois, for their compassion and care during the last months of his illness.
Please leave condolences at www.wjsmithandsonfh.com
Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dwight COLLIE
Vikki Powell (MSgt Retired)
February 1, 2010
I only just learned of the Chiefs passing. He may not be with us physically now, but his influence lives on in so many of the lives he touched. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Clarence Johnson
January 7, 2010
This world has lost one of its best. Chief Collie was a good man and a devout Christian. He was instrumental in myself returning to Langley in 1983. I was shocked when I learned of his death the Sunday before his funeral. I made it my duty to attend his funeral. I am so happy that I did. He simply loved people and would do anything to help you. My prayers are with his family. Clarence (CJ) Johnson, Retired Personnel CMSgt, USAF
January 5, 2010
5 Jan 2010
Per one of my last emails to Dwight.
"It is warm and dry on the bridge. Come on up and enjoy".
We knew each other through email corespondence instigated by Martha. We had the pleasure of talking to each other on the phone on one instance.
I hope that he enjoyed and took encouragement from the stories related to him across service boundaries and experiences.
My best to his very supportive family.
L. F. Demmmin, Capt. USN, (Ret.)
Don Drackert
January 5, 2010
My condolences to Dwight's family. Dwight was an outstanding individual whose contributions to his beloved church, his community and the US Air Force were second to none. He will be sadly missed. May he rest in peace.
Don Drackert, Lt Colonel, USAF Retired
Chris Christopherson, CMSgt, USAF Retired
January 5, 2010
I was sincerely saddened to learn of Dwight's death. My having been the office's "new guy" some 45 years ago at Hq Pacific Air Forces, I was fortunate to fall under the mentoring of then "TSgt Dwight." He was a truly professional Personnel Manager, totally dedicated to a demanding job by which he set the example for all of us to follow. Chief Collie will be truly missed by all of us who had the pleasure of knowing him all these years.
Vic Williams
January 4, 2010
I am so sad to hear about Chief Collie's passing. As a young airmen his counsel was instrumental in my AF career. He helped me decide between two different assignments, it was that assignment where I met my wife of 21 years. It was later that he helped me make funeral arrangements for my dad. I retired in 2000, but I always remembered Chief Collie for his kind disposition and superb advise. My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
January 4, 2010
May the Lord bless the Collie Family with the peace and comfort of knowing he has joined his life's partner once again forever more. I knew Dwight in the AF as one of the most professional Airmen in the service. Gerald Lind, SMSgt, USAF (Ret)
Stan and Lynn Cole
January 3, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of Dwight's family and friends.
Mary Hager
January 3, 2010
Dear Brad and Nancy, you all are in my thoughts and prayers, I just found out today. Take care!!
Mary McCool
January 3, 2010
Dear Suzanne, Lisa and family,
It was such a privilege to know both Betty and Dwight. They were such a special couple and cared deeply for each other. They cared about others too, always encouraging the patients at our clinic when Betty came in for her treatments. Dwight especially had a kind word for everyone. My sympathy to all of you. Betty and Dwight were fortunate to have such a loving and supportive family.
jeannie hager
January 3, 2010
Nancy and Brad,
Thinking of you in my thoughts and prayers...My Deepest Sympathy to and yours during this time of loss.
Ronald Bowens (CMSgt Retired)
January 3, 2010
My prayers go out to Dwight's family. He was a fine man and always willing to help in anyway he could. We worked together for many years in Personnel at then Headquarters TAC. One of the smartest Personnel men that I had the pleasure of meeting and working with.
Rest in Peace Dwight.--Gone but will never be forgotten.
George and Laura Morgan
January 3, 2010
Lisa and family,
Our sincere sympathy over the loss of Dwight and Betty. We loved them and are keeping you in our prayers.
Larry & Gail Eason
January 3, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow. Always remember that Dwight willl be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.
Doris Williams
January 3, 2010
To the Collie Family - I'm in total shock to read this morning of Dwight's passing - worked with him for many years at Langley AFB - I moved to Louisiana in 2007 but had run into him a couple of times at various places after we both retired. He was undoubtedly one of the nicest people I have ever known or worked with. This earth is the big loser in his passing but there is definitely another angel in heaven now rejoicing with his beloved wife. My heart goes out to his family - With love and prayer
Rick Gaskins
January 3, 2010
Suzie and Family:
I was saddened to read of your father's death. These last two weeks must been some difficult days. Remember, this valley is not permanent. Psalm 23:4 tells us that God leads us "through" the valley. He does not leave us there. He leads us out to greater experiences for Him.
May God's strong arm comfort and strengthen you during these days.
With Christ's love and comfort,
Brother Rick and Sherry
Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results
Make a Donation
in Dwight COLLIE's name
Memorial Events
for Dwight COLLIE
How to support Dwight's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Dwight COLLIE's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
