Neuland C. Collier Sr.

1931 - 2016

Neuland C. Collier, Sr

Norfolk - Neuland C. Collier, Sr., beloved husband, father, and grandfather, was born in Dunn, NC to Nellie F. Lee and Lonnie F. Collier on March 30, 1931, and died surrounded by his loving family on December 21, 2016. He is survived by his wife, Doris "Dot" Collier, son Craig Collier, daughter Melanie C. Riley (David), step-son Pastor John C. Speight (Rosemary), step-daughter Melanie S. Cobb (Chris), grandchildren Jessica S. Broaddus (Jake), Robert C. Spiers, Sarah Taylor Speight, Kevin C. Cobb, John Hunter Speight, Caroline J. Cobb, and brothers Robert R. Collier (Margaret) and Gary Bernard Collier (Doris). He is predeceased by his parents and brother, L.F. Collier, Jr.

Neuland graduated from Norview High School, attended Norfolk Division of William & Mary (ODU), and graduated from the University of South Carolina where he was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity and the NROTC. Upon graduation, he received his commission and entered Navy flight training and became a Naval aviator. He served initially in fighter Squadron Thirty-Three (VF-33) aboard the USS INTREPID (CVA-11). Subsequent tours included Ferry Squadron Thirty-One (VRF-31) in Norfolk, Training Squadron Twenty-Eight (VT-28) at Corpus Christi, TX, and in the Air Department in the USS FORRESTAL (CVA-59). He graduated from the Command and Staff course at the Naval War College, Newport, RI in 1966. He then flew combat missions over North Vietnam while serving as Maintenance Officer of Attack Squadron Thirty-Four (VA-34) embarked in USS INTREPID. His following tour was as Operations Officer of VA-34 in the USS FORRESTAL. In June 1970 he earned his Master of Science degree in Computer Systems Mgmt at the US Naval Postgraduate School at Monterey, CA. He was then assigned to Naval Command Systems Support Activity (NAVCOSSACT) Washington, DC as a Systems Analyst. In 1972 he transferred to Hawaii as Officer In Charge NAVCOSSACT Detachment, Pacific. In 1976, he returned to Washington, DC as a member of the Chief of Naval Operations (OP-91) study group, recommending establishment of the Naval Data Automation Command (NAVDAC). After serving as the first Inspector General for NAVDAC, he was transferred to the US Naval Academy in 1979 as Director of Computer Services and Assistant Dean for Education Resources. His last assignment was Commanding Officer of the Atlantic Command Operations Support Facility (LANTCOMOPSUPPFAC) in Norfolk. After retiring from the Navy, he worked for SAIC, Long & Foster, and Re/Max. He was devoted to his family and church. He sang in the choir for many years, was a member and former president of the United Methodist Men, worked on the annual Charity Golf Tournament, and helped with the sale of pumpkins and Christmas trees in the past. He belonged to the Aldersgate Sunday school class and considered it his mission to greet and welcome people to the church each Sunday. His memorial service will be held at Miles Memorial United Methodist Church, 9450 Granby St., Norfolk, VA 23503 at 3:00pm, Saturday, January 21, 2017. Memorial donations may be made to Miles United Methodist Church.