Pat Collier Jr.

The Life and Times of Pat Collier Jr

January 23, 1945 - November 10, 2025

Obituary

On January 23, 1945, Pat Collier Jr. was born, the fifth child of Pat and Julia (Crudup) Collier. Although not their first son, Julia chose to name him after his father, giving him the name Pat Collier Jr. He was a cheerful baby, known for his constant smile and even temperament.

The Collier family, consisting of Pat Jr., his parents, two older brothers, Jimmie Dale and Jesse Lee, and two older sisters, Laura Alice and Emma Marie, lived in Toomsuba, Mississippi, near Meridian. In early 1947, they joined the Great Migration and moved north to Chicago. Eight years after Pat Jr.'s birth, his younger sister Gwendolyn completed the family.

Growing up, Pat Jr. was surrounded by nieces and nephews, with whom he was close in age. He cherished his role as an uncle. Sundays were spent attending services at Greater Mount Vernon Baptist Church, reflecting his parents' belief that a family who prays together stays together.

Family Business and Early Education

Shortly after settling in Chicago, Pat's father purchased the neighboring building to open Collier's Grocery Store, which became the heart of the family. Each member contributed to the business, working before or after school and on weekends. Pat often credited his time at the store for teaching him how to count money.

Pat attended Parkman Elementary School, DuSable High School, and North Central College. While at DuSable, he met Ethel James, a meeting whose significance would become clear years later. Pat studied economics and business at North Central College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. After graduating, he taught school for several years before deciding to pursue his dream of entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurial Journey

Pat began his business career with a pizza truck, selling hot pizza slices. He later managed a collection agency, but his first major success came when he purchased a Chicken Unlimited Restaurant on 45th and Cottage Grove, which operated as a take-out only establishment. Its success led him to acquire a second location on 71st near Jeffery. He ran these stores until the company ceased operations.

Pat then operated and sold Home Juice, eventually acquiring all the routes in Gary, Indiana, and two major city routes on 26th Street. Each route had its own truck, which he parked at his ranch home, much to Ethel's dismay.

One day, after leaving Christ Universal Temple with her children, Ethel noticed a large building for sale with three lots. She informed Pat, who purchased the property at 109th and Vincennes for his trucks. This became Pat's Hand Car Wash. He later acquired and sold a second car wash on 83rd and Halsted. Both the car wash and the restaurant on Vincennes became fixtures in the Morgan Park community until Pat's retirement in 2016.

Personal Life

Eight years after their first meeting at DuSable High School, Pat and Ethel married on July 14, 1968, beginning a marriage that would last fifty-seven years. Together, they were blessed with three children: Dawne Julia Collier, Kimberly Beatrice Collier, and Pat Collier IV (Julie), as well as two grandchildren, Giselle Ethel Collier (2021) and Pat James Collier V (2022).

Final Years and Legacy

In 2024, Pat faced several hospitalizations due to heart disease. Nevertheless, he recovered enough to attend the Lewis Family Reunion Cruise with Ethel, where they enjoyed themselves immensely. Pat was hospitalized again on October 30, 2025, and after a courageous fight, passed away on November 10, 2025, surrounded by his family. He is now at peace.

Pat leaves behind his beloved wife Ethel, his children Dawne, Kimberly, Pat IV, and grandchildren. He is also mourned by his sisters Emma Ellis and Gwendolyn Broughton, favorite nieces and nephews, friends and neighbors from Olympia Fields, poker pals, DuSablelites buddies, and his lifelong friend Len Hoyles. Preceding him in death were his father Pat, mother Julia, sister Laura Gregory, brothers Jimmie Dale and Jesse, and brothers Samuel Collier and Natie Collier from a previous marriage.

Pat lived a full and vibrant life, embracing every moment. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Thank you, Pat, for making life such an extraordinary journey.