Billie Bruce Collier

Billie Bruce Collier

Passed away peacefully in his home on May 12, 2012.

Bruce was born and raised in Mumford, Texas. He moved to Waco in his teens where he graduated from high school. Bruce attended Baylor University and graduated with degrees in Chemistry and Math, and minors in German and Physics. He did post-graduate studies at The Ohio State University and Purdue University. On September 9, 1949 Bruce wed Carol Gardner. They came to Kirksville, Missouri in 1950 to assist Ray P. Gardner in his jewelry store, eventually becoming owner of Gardner-Collier Jewelry, retiring in early 2012. Bruce was drafted by the U.S. Army in 1952 and medically discharged later that same year, then returned to Kirksville and the family business.

Bruce was involved in many civic organizations in Kirksville. Bruce was a member of El Kadir Shrine Club and Masonic Lodge #366. He was Chamber of Commerce President in 1957. He was a member of Kirsville JayCees, and named outstanding Young Man in 1957. Bruce was President of Adair County Credit Bureau in 1960, President of Kirksville Savings and Loan from 1970 until it was sold, and a member of Hamilton Street Baptist Church. He also served as Chairman of a fund-raising committe to attract new industry to Kirksville from 1960-1972. Bruce was instrumental in bringing the Hollister manufacturing plant to Kirksville.

Husband of Mary Carollene Gardner Collier for 62 years; son of Hosea Oscar and Percy Virginia Moore Collier. Father of Suzanne (Dr. Ronald) Phillips, Rachel Collier, Bryan (Bonnie) Collier, and Holly (Keith) Dierberg; loving grandad of Tierney (Brian) Phillips Lamone, Troy Phillips, Tyler (Mary Grace) Phillips, Drew (Maria) Phillips, Bradley (Amanda) Collier, Blake Collier, Melanie Collier, Emily (Kyle) Dierberg Armstrong, Jill Dierberg, and Ryan Dierberg; great-grandad to Talia and Braun. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, brother Oscar, daughter Rachel, and grandson Troy.

Services: The family will receive friends at Davis-Playle-Hudson-Rimer Funeral Home on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 from 6:00 until 8:00 pm. A private memorial service will be held for family members.

Memorial contributions preferred to Hamilton Street Baptist Church, Shriners Hospitals, or Hospice of Northeast Missouri.