December 26, 2011

SUFFOLK — Thomas Marvin Collier, 92, of 1600 Great Fork Road, went home to be with his Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, Dec. 26, at Sentara Obici Hospital. He was surrounded by his three daughters, whom he loved dearly.

Mr. Collier was born in Durham, N.C., and was the son of the late Tommy Miller and Willie Frances Pope Collier. A farmer and cattleman always, he had also retired from the city of Portsmouth as a chemist assistant in the water department. A member and deacon emeritus of Great Fork Baptist Church, he had a special love for farming, family and his other “girls,” his cattle.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of over 62 years, Evelyn Joyner Collier; his sister, Frances Williams; and brothers, Roland, Melvin, Claiborne and Worth Collier.

Surviving are his daughters, June Savage and husband, Tommy, and Phyllis Byrum and husband, Randy, all of Suffolk, and Suzette Boyd, of Wakefield; four grandchildren, Lucas Savage, Bethany Savage Riddick and husband, Emory, Ryan Boyd and Jennifer Crytzer; and a great-grandson, Zachary Crytzer.

Funeral services will be held Friday at 2 p.m. in Great Fork Baptist Church by Dr. Donald Jones and the Rev. Jonathan Judy. Burial will follow in the church cemetery, with Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main St., Gatesville, N.C., handling arrangements. Friends may join the family at the home of Phyllis and Randy Byrum, 1596 Great Fork Road.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Great Fork Baptist Church Cemetery Memorial Fund, 180 Great Fork Road, Suffolk, VA 23438.

His daughters wish to express their deep appreciation to Drs. Lindsey Vaughn and Matthew McBee and their staffs, the Sentara Obici Nursing staff, and the staff of Heartland Home Care, especially Teresa, Lisa, Margaret and Dawn, for the wonderful care and attention given to their father.

Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.