Collier,Sr. Ellsworth G

Ellsworth Gray Collier, Sr., 85 died on Monday, June 2, 2008 at his home. Mr. Collier, a lifetime resident of Petersburg was born August 1, 1922 to the late Forest Leonard and Mary Elizabeth Watkins Collier. Upon graduation from Petersburg High School, Ellsworth married Edith Elizabeth Sanford, his high school sweetheart. At the time of Edith Collier’s death in 1985 they had been married for 44 years. Mr. Collier is also preceded in death by his second wife, Cora Lee Hardy Collier to whom he was married for 19 years until her death in January of 2005.
Mr. Collier served in the U.S. Army as Sergeant during WWII in the CBI Theater. He was employed by Brown & Williamson Tobacco Company for 32 years. Beginning in 1947 he served on the Southside Virginia Emergency Crew. As a life member of the rescue squad, he served as Captain of the Emergency Crew from 1955 – 1956, and again from 1965 – 1966. Mr. Collier volunteered for Petersburg’s Special Police Force for 12 years, and also served on Petersburg’s Safety and Traffic Commission for 17 years.
He was preceded in death by his oldest son, Ellsworth Gray Collier, Jr. who has a son, Derick Gray and his wife Sara Collier. Derrick has two daughters, Kaitlyn and Abigail. He is also survived by a son, Paul Reid Collier and his wife, Joyce and their daughter Peggy. He is also survived by his son, Edward Gibson (Ned) Collier and his wife, Karen, their son Edward Gregory and his daughter Amber of Nags Head, NC and their daughter Dr. Theresa Collier, her husband, Christopher Gilson, and their two daughters, Madelyn Louise Gilson and Sydney Thora Gilson of Chesterfield.
Mr. Collier is a member of Second Baptist Church. Ellsworth leaves with fond memories of many true and faithful friends who were such an important part of his life. His family deeply appreciates the care and fellowship of these many friends. A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, June 5, 2008 at Second Baptist Church in Petersburg. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Mr. Collier’s memory to your favorite charity.