Andrew Jackson "Jack" Collier

Andrew Jackson "Jack" Collier BRISTOL, Va. Andrew Jackson "Jack" Collier, 95, went home to be with the Lord on Oct. 2, 2010. Jack was born on July 28, 1915, in Osaka, Va., and lat er moved with his family to Stonega, Va., where he lived during his school years. Jack was the youngest and last surviving child of the late Creed and Ethel Stewart Collier. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Millard Collier and wife Beulah, Wayne Collier and wife Lola; and sister, Carrie Collier Quinley and husband Elmo. Jack graduated from Appalachia High School, where he was a proud member of the Appalachia Bulldogs football team. It was there that he met his beloved Georgia Rhea Head (Collier), whom he married on Dec. 26, 1937. They were blessed with 72 years together, until her passing on Feb. 20, 2010. Their precious daughter, Daryl Louise Collier, who preceded them in death, is now reunited with her parents in Heaven. Jack proudly served his country in the U.S. Naval Reserve during World War II aboard the U.S.S. Fond du Lac, which supported the U.S. offensive in the Pacific theatre. He was seaman first class, serving with the Fleet Camera Party stationed in Hawaii. After the war, he returned to his family, working as sales manager of M.D. Collier Furniture, Appalachia, W.B. Green Furniture, Kingsport, Tenn., and Pound Hardware and Furniture in Pound, Va. He and Georgia Rhea then established Jack Collier Furniture with stores in Gate City, Big Stone Gap, and Appalachia, and worked together until retirement. Jack loved the Lord and his church, First Baptist Church of Gate City, Va., serving as deacon, chairman of deacons, and Sunday school director for many years. In later years, he had a special heart for serving in the nursery and visiting the sick and homebound. He was a loving Christian husband, father, and grandfather; and he cherished the time he spent with his family. Survivors include daughters, Linda Sample and husband George of Greeneville, Tenn., Debra Hughes and husband Rick of Bristol Virginia; special granddaughter, Lauren Hughes of Allen, Texas; several nieces and nephews; and special friend and caregiver, Vicky Salyer. The family is grateful to the staff of NHC Healthcare of Bristol and Barbara Gibson for their compassionate care. A celebration of Jack's life will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 5, at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA, with Rev. Jeff DeBoard presiding. Visitation will be from 1:30 3 p.m. prior to the service. Pallbearers will be John Quinley, Patrick Quinley, Kenneth Collier, Chad Collier, Tom Collier, and Bob Collier. The committal service will be held Wednesday, Oct. 6, at 11 a.m. at American Legion Cemetery, Big Stone Gap, Va. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Gate City, Building Fund, Box 194, 500 East Jackson St., Gate City, VA 24251. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guestbook. Arrangements for Mr. Jack Collier are under the care of Farris Funeral Service Forest Hills Chapel, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA (276) 623-2727.