Martin Collier

James Martin Collier, Sr., age 81, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, died March 28, 2025.

Martin was born April 13, 1943, in Augusta, Arkansas, the son of Clyde and Lena Collier.

In the fall of 1951, he surrendered his life to Jesus, and that began a lifetime passion of sharing the gospel with as many people as he could.

He attended Ouachita Baptist College, where on August 26, 1962, he married Alice Keith at Berry Chapel on the campus in Arkadelphia. They had two children, James and Alison. Martin and Alice were married for 52 years when Alice passed away.

He was a lifelong businessman. Started as a paperboy at eight and began working for his dad in the grocery store at 12. He bought his dad’s grocery store in 1964. Later, he owned the RC Cola Bottle Company in Batesville, Arkansas. Eventually settling in Hot Springs, Arkansas, as a New York Life Insurance agent. In 1986, he opened and co-owned Collier’s Jewelry with his son, James. He retired as the owner of Papa’s Antiques in Hot Springs. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Hot Springs. He was a devoted family man, always available for his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, mom, brothers, sister-in-laws, nieces, and nephews. He was a kind, generous, and thoughtful friend to many.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clyde Collier and Lena McSpadden, his wife, Alice Collier, his son, James Collier, two brothers, Franklin and Vernon Collier, one sister-in-law, Linda Collier, and his step-mom, Ella Mae Goodwin.

He is survived by his daughter, Alison and her husband, Mike Fendley of Benton, Arkansas, one daughter-in-law, Donna Collier of Loveland, Colorado, six grandchildren and their spouses, Seth and Emily Fendley of Davenport, Florida, CJ and Katherine Collier of Aurora, Colorado, , Laura and Seth Maestas of Benton, Arkansas, Cammi Collier-Ascencio of Evans, Colorado, Abby Fendley of Harrison, Arkansas and Wyatt Fendley of Benton, Arkansas, eight great grandchildren, Kenley, Kadence and Emberlyn Maestas, Landon and Kyla Collier, Starlynn Collier, Evalynn and Keith Ascencio and sister-in-law, Margaret Collier, step-brother, Carl Drennan and his wife, Joan, step-sister Mary Ann Thomas and her husband Rick, numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of friends.

His beloved nephews Steve Collier, Steve Roberson, Clyde Collier, Chip Broadbent, Charlie Broadbent and Richie Broadbent will be his pallbearers.

Friend and Pastor, John McCallum will officiate at funeral home. Son-in-law, Mike Fendley will close at the graveside.

Visitation Friday, April 4, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. followed by the memorial at 10 a.m. at Smith Family Funeral Home 2205 Airport Road, Hot Springs, Arkansas. The internment will be at 2 p.m., Friday, April 4, 2025 at Augusta Memorial Park, on Cemetery Road in Augusta, Arkansas.