Richard Gary Collier

Mr. Richard Gary Collier, age 74 of North Wilkesboro, passed away Friday, April 24, 2026, at SECU Hospice Care Center in Yadkinville. 

Richard was born May 27, 1951, in Beckley, West Virginia to John Donald, Sr. and Elizabeth Cantley Collier. 

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a brother, Don Collier, Jr.; his stepmother, Lorene Shumate Collier; and three stepsisters, Joyce Phipps, Glora Bryant, and Alice Johnson. 

He is survived by his wife; Mamie Upton Collier of the home; two sons, Aaron Collier (Kristen) of New Orleans, LA, Alex Collier (Becky) of Lynchburg, VA; four grandchildren, Camden, Ellis, Haven, and Emmett; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. 

Richard delighted in spending time with family near and far, including annual Collier and Upton/Thomas family reunions. 

Richard was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley and received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from West Virginia Institute of Technology, participating in the marching band at both schools. He was a life member of Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity. After graduation, Richard was employed at J.O. Liveley Manufacturing in Glen White, WV before moving to North Wilkesboro, NC in 1985. Richard retired from LP in Roaring River as Safety Manager after 28 years of employment. 

Richard demonstrated a faithful love for the body of Christ: he taught the Barksdale Sunday school class for over 30 years, sang in the choir, and served as an Elder at North Wilkesboro Presbyterian Church. More recently, he preached as a Commissioned Ruling Elder at several Presbyterian churches in neighboring counties.

He received a call to serve as Lay Minister from Love Valley Presbyterian in March 2026. 

Additionally, Richard proudly served as a board member of the Wilkes County United Way and a member of the Wilkes North Camp of the Gideons International. 

 A Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:00 PM Thursday, May 7, 2026, at North Wilkesboro Presbyterian Church with Rev. R.C. Griffin III and Rev. Dr. Ben Trawick officiating.  The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall. A private graveside service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gideons International Wilkes North Camp, P.O. Box 1791, North Wilkesboro NC 28659 and United Way of Wilkes 910 C Street, North Wilkesboro NC 28659. 

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com.

You may view the service online below

 https://www.facebook.com/nwpres/

https://www.youtube.com/@nwpcnc

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