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Joseph Collie Obituary
June 27, 1925 - May 27, 2025
Durham, North Carolina - Joseph "Joe" Haslett Collie passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025, with family by his side. He was born June 27, 1925, in Concord, NC., yet considered Danville, VA his Home. He is the son of the late Howard Luther Collie and Anna Eugenia Haslett Collie.
Joe graduated from George Washington High School ('43) in Danville, then enlisted in the US Army shortly afterwards. After a brief basic training in Fort Bragg, his division was "called to action" to join other armed forces in WWII in October 1944. Over the next 8 months of active combat, while battling frigid temperatures in NE France, his 100Th Inf Div successfully liberated the small French towns of Lemburg, Rimling, and Bitche. The local French people have since referred to those gritty soldiers as "The Sons of Bitche".
Upon returning to the States, after his father's sudden death, Joe took full advantage of the "GI" Bill by attending Virginia Polytechnic Institute, graduating with a Chemical Engineering degree in 1950.
His smartest decision was to marry the young and beautiful Barbara Green from Waverly, NY on August 1, 1959, in Duke Chapel; and settling in Durham, NC. With the support of his wife, Joe then formed Southchem Inc. in 1969. Over the next 24 years, and with the help of many incredible employees, Southchem grew substantially, eventually being acquired in 1993. After an incredibly successful 45-year career, Joe retired in 1995.
Retirement allowed Joe to tutor young students, paint, golf, fish, exercise, and travel with his many friends. He especially loved speaking at his grandchildren's schools about his heroic WWII experiences. He competed in the Veteran Senior Olympics, winning many gold medals in various events. A faithful Iron Duke member since the 1950's, he attended many Duke football and basketball games. He even attended the 1942 Rose Bowl played in Wallace Wade Stadium.
Joe's death is preceded by his parents; mother-in-law, Eleanor Yale; and brother-in-law, Benjamin Green.
Joe is survived by his loving wife, Barbara, of almost 66 years; 3 proud sons: Charles Collie (Betsy), Paul Collie (Julie), and Scott Collie (Amy); 6 grandchildren: Claire Collie, Lucas Collie, Alex Collie, Sam Collie, Jackson Collie, and Anda Saitep; Sister Jane Heitzler (Mike); sister-in-law Rosemary Green; and nephews Benjamin Green, Jr. (Kathy), and Andrew Wineapple.
The Collie family owes our deep gratitude to Joe's dedicated caregiver, Tania Keeys and his wonderful Duke Hospice nurse, Lauren Wilkins.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to these loving Durham, NC organizations: The Emily K Center and Epworth UMC.
The Collie family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com – select "Obituaries".
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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Hall-Wynne Funeral Service & Crematory - Durham1113 W. Main St, Durham, NC 27701
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