Rufus George Collier

Rufus George Collier was born August 1, 1948, in Longview, Texas, to Chester and Mattie Lillian Calloway Collier. He departed this earthly life on Monday, May 29, 2023, at his home in Longview.

Rufus attended school in Longview ISD and graduated from Mary C. Womack High School. He worked at Pepsi Cola and later Bemis Custom Products for many years.

Rufus married the love of his life, Maria Carmella Figueroa, on October 12, 1979 in Longview, Texas. They were blessed with a daughter, Janet Yvonne Collier, on July 12, 1980. To honor each other and their marriage, Rufus and Maria renewed their wedding vows in a ceremony on October 15, 2014 at Pine Tree Church of Christ.

Rufus enjoyed watching sports and always cheering for his favorite teams; the Longview Lobos, Kansas City Chiefs, and Texas Rangers; although he was planning on converting to a Houston Astros fan.

Over the years, he developed a love and talent for woodworking. He built many pieces of furniture including tables, cabinets, shelves, benches, headboards, dog houses to name a few. Rufus often gave the items he built to family members and friends. Rufus designed the items and Maria would put on the finishing touches with paint or other decoration.

At the age of 65 years, Rufus realized something was missing in his life. After studying the Bible’s plan for salvation, he confessed his faith and trust in Jesus and on January 25, 2014, he put on his Lord Jesus Christ in baptism. He became a member of Pine Tree Church of Christ family. He enjoyed volunteering at Caring and Sharing and making new friends there.

On July 27, 2019 his daughter, Janet gave birth to a son, Matthew Theodore aka “Theo” who became his #1 buddy, his everything, his greatest joy! Rufus was a proud grandfather and spent many happy hours with Theo.

Rufus was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Earlene Collier, Alice George, Margaret Wilson, Barbara Rose, Betty Collier, and Joan Carol Thomas; and brothers, Oliver Collier, Chester Collier, Jr., Michael Collier and Darrie Turner.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Maria Collier; daughter, Janet Collier; grandson, Theodore Mejia; half-sister, Charlotte Sams; grand-nephew, (more like his own son), Ronnie Collier; and a host of extended family members and friends.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters...
Psalm 23:1-2
 

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