Robert William Collier, Sr

On October 18, 2025, Early County lost a living landmark and perhaps its biggest fan. Robert William Collier Sr., a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to many departed this life peacefully at home at the age of 98. This may be the last time that it is his photo commanding the front page, but “Mr. Blakely” as he was known by many of his friends will be a driving influence behind countless future pages.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 24 at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Blakely with the Reverend Chris Guffey officiating with eulogies given by Ashley Collier and Brad Hughes. Visitation will be Thursday, October 23 at Manry Jordan Hodges Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. Interment will follow the service at Blakely Cemetery.

Born on October 9, 1927, in Blakely, Georgia to Nathan and Pauline Davenport Collier. The house in which he was born on the west side of U.S. 27 just north of the city limits by the Clinkscales Farm still stands, although the highway was a dirt road then.

Robert grew up in Blakely, where he graduated from Blakely-Union High in 1944. He went to college at North Georgia College in Dahlonega from 1945 to 1946 before enlisting in the Army during World War II. He completed basic training and initial jump training at Fort Benning during his training to become a paratrooper. “Little Colonel” Collier served in Japan in 1947. He pursued higher education at Florida State University, earning a degree in Business.

In 1951 he married the love of his life, Alicia Barbree from Jakin. They shared a very special love that lasted over 74 years.

Throughout a distinguished career at Collier Insurance and Realty, he was known for his dedication, integrity, and leadership. He made significant contributions to the community of Blakely serving as mayor for two terms, Chamber of Commerce President/Director, and President/Member of Blakely- Early County Rotary Club for over sixty years earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and friends alike. Robert touched the lives of many with warmth, compassion, and unwavering kindness. He thought Blakely was the greatest place in the world.

After God and country, Robert cherished time spent with family. He loved his wife and children, but those grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him great joy. He will be remembered for the fun dance lessons in the den with his great grands and many Dairy Queen ice cream adventures.

Robert’s dear friends nicknamed him “Mr. Blakely” because he loved the community so much.

He will be remembered for his infectious smile, his wicked laugh, gentle spirit, and fervent love for his country, community, family and friends. He leaves behind a community enriched by his desire for continued growth and prosperity for every Early County resident.

Robert was an avid reader, great historian and world traveler. He ventured across the United States with his best friend Charles DeLoach seeing beautiful nature parks and resources. Their special friendship lasted for decades. He traveled across the big pond and loved experiencing different kinds of food. He embarked on hunting trips in South America with his friends Jule Talley, Gene Giles and Richard Pettigrew. Mischief was the core of those “expeditions”.

Robert loved to spend every Friday night cheering on the Bobcats. As one of the oldest Bobcats he loved a great bag of popcorn and coke while sitting in the best seat in the stadium – near the press box. He enjoyed Saturday college football games cheering on the Dawgs and the Seminoles.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his brother, James Collier.

Robert is survived by his beloved, Alicia Barbree Collier; a son, Bob Collier and his wife Ashley; a daughter, Ginger Watson and her husband Jack, all of Blakely; grandchildren, Angelique Collier Powell, Collier Watson (Amanda), Natalie Collier Willis (Brandon), Paige Watson Harris (Jonathan) and Rhodes Collier; great-grandchildren, Gage Hemphill, Abby Powell Smith (Luke), Allie Powell, Alexis Clark, Autumn Clark, Blakely Harris, Eli Watson, Brody Harris, Emersyn Watson, Macey Caroline Harris, Hudson Watson and Watson Harris; and a great-great grandson, Stetson Easley. He is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews, including his brother's sons, Ed Collier (Diane) and Arthur Collier (Theresa) of Jacksonville, with whom he was especially close.

The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers who loved and supported Robert unconditionally: Mary Jean Foster, Kizzie Foster, Dee Foster, Annie Wright, Robin James, Anna Sewell, and the wonderful nurses from Georgia Hospice Care.

Serving as pallbearers are Collier Watson, Brandon Willis, Jonathan Harris, Rhodes Collier, Gage Hemphill, Luke Smith, Ronnie Ashley, Charles DeLoach Jr. Honorary pallbearers are the members of the Blakely-Early County Rotary Club, and Ric Hall Sunday School Class.

Memorials can be made to First Baptist Church, 790 South Church Street, Blakely, Georgia.

Manry-Jordan-Hodges Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.