Courtesy Stancil Reunion Archive
Jimmy Ray Collier was a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, known for his warm personality, dedication as a teacher and coach, and his passion for sports. A talented woodworker and a man of great compassion, Jimmy made a positive impact on all who knew him throughout his life.
Early Life and Family Roots
Jimmy Ray Collier was born on July 8, 1952, in Wilson, North Carolina, the oldest son of William David and Ethel Mae Walls Collier. He grew up in Wilson alongside his siblings: Jeannie Carol Collier, Judy Lynn Collier Pittman (and her husband Michael Lee), and Jacqueline Louise Collier. Jimmy was very close to his mother throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his parents and his paternal grandparents, Bennet Graham and Erma Candis Stancil Walls. His extended family included his aunt, Irene Walls Johnson, and first cousins, Steven Arthur Johnson, Gary Eugene Johnson (and his wife Ann and daughter Gina). He was also a cherished uncle to his nephews, Brenson McCray Brewer, Scott Elliott Brewer, and Conner Lawrence Pittman.
Marriages and Family Life
Jimmy's life was significantly shaped by his family, through both his marriages.
He first married Connie Joyce Duke in 1974. Together, they had two children, Constance Faith Collier and Jameson Drew Collier. Their marriage concluded with a divorce in 1991.
In 1992, Jimmy married Carol Riddick Johnson, a loving union that lasted for 23 years. Through this marriage, Jimmy embraced new roles as a stepfather to Carol's children, Kristen Johnson Caddy (and her husband Mike) and Greg Johnson (and his wife Jennifer). He also cherished his step-grandchildren: Layla Bass, Landen Bass, Larson Bass, and Ben Caddy, who brought much joy to their shared family life.
Career and Passions
Jimmy dedicated his professional life to the Wilson County School system. He began his career as a teacher, and later became the Athletic Director at Charles H. Darden Middle School in Wilson. There, he endeared himself to students as a popular coach and easy-going teacher, always available for a chat.
Beyond his professional calling, Jimmy was a passionate sportsman. He loved all sports and was particularly noted as an avid golfer and baseball player. He was also a high school football official for over 20 years, earning the prestigious BB&T Football Official Excellence Award in both 1974 and 1975, and he refereed basketball games at Central Prison for many years.
Jimmy was also a self-taught, talented woodworker, a skill he enjoyed perfecting and sharing with his friends. His compassion and kindness were recognized when he received the Civic Recognition Award.
A testament to his commitment to family, Jimmy attended the 2001 Stancil Reunion with his mom and wife Carol.
Later Life and Legacy
Jimmy Ray Collier passed away at the age of 63 on August 13, 2015, in Wilson, North Carolina, due to lung cancer. His memorial service was held on Sunday, August 16, 2015, at Joyner’s Funeral Home on Raleigh Road Parkway in Wilson, with the Rev. Steve Strickland officiating. Jimmy was cremated.
He will be greatly missed and thought of often, remembered for his compassion, his positive impact on the lives of his students, and the love he shared with his family and friends.