Willie Collier Jr.

Willie "Junior" Collier, 91, of West Haven, Connecticut, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026. Born on July 6, 1934, in Greenwood, South Carolina, to the late "Willie" William Collier, Sr. and Lucille (Robinson) Collier. He was raised in Abbeville, South Carolina, where he attended Abbeville County Schools and was a member of Saint James African Methodist Episcopal Church.

Willie was a proud craftsman who loved working with his hands, watching western movies, and cruising scenic routes. He possessed an unwavering work ethic and talent for building and repairing things. In 1956, he migrated north to New Haven to join Connecticut's bustling manufacturing workforce. He worked at National Gypsum and Simkins Industries Inc. After years of dedicated service in the manufacturing industry, he retired in August of 1999 as a supervising machine technician.

Willie married Mary Ellen Fulmore Collier on October 13, 1963. They had two children, Willie "Russell" Collier and Sydney Collier. Willie was a member of Varick Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church for over 65 years, serving as a Trustee, Usher, soup kitchen volunteer, and assisting with maintenance and repairs on the church over the years.

Willie leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Mary Collier of West Haven, CT; sons, Willie "Russell" Collier (Zania) of New Haven, CT and Sydney Collier (Saundra) of Richmond, VA; grandchildren, Donijah Collier of West Haven, CT, Zshekinah Collier of Baltimore, MD, Zherah Collier of Silver Spring, MD, and Sean Collier of Richmond, VA; siblings, Sarah Rucker (Ortha) of Michigan, Bettye Warren, Apostle Jessie Simmons (Apostle Kevin), and Roscoe Collier all of Greenwood, SC; sisters-in-law, Dorothy Collier of Smiths Creek, MI, Lola Mayes of Hamden, CT, Ester Lee Montgomery of Hillside, NJ, Hattie Mae Benson of Hamden, CT, Patricia Blake-Fulmore of Lake City, SC; brothers-in-law, Sylvester Fulmore and Archie Lee Fulmore (Lois) both of Lake City, SC; godson, Rashad Henry of NC; and host of cousins, nieces, nephews, church family, and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, James W. Collier, John F. Collier, and William E. Collier; brothers-in-law, Carvin Fulmore (Mary), Levern "Billy" Fulmore, Clarence Montgomery, and Ernest Fulmore.

He'll be remembered for his resilience, hard work, and sense of humor.