Sammie Gene Collier
Sammie Gene Collier, age 81, went home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield.
Born on January 28, 1944, in Wayne County, Sammie was the son of the late Sammie Collier and Jessie Collier. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepdaughter, Sandi Eason, and his sister, Ida Brown.
Sammie was the longtime owner of Collier’s Car Care, where he faithfully served the Selma community for many years. Known for his generosity and kindness, Sammie took care of countless people in the area, often helping those in need without hesitation. Because of his dedication and service to the community, he was honored with a Gold City Key to Selma and was once named Grand Marshal of Railroad Days.
A man of great faith, Sammie loved attending church and living out his beliefs through service to others. He had a deep love for the mountains and was a lifelong fan of The Andy Griffith Show. Some of his favorite pastimes were visiting Mount Airy, “Mayberry,” and exploring the Andy Griffith memorabilia, tending to his garden, and sitting outside with his wife Colleen in their rocking chairs. Sammie (Papa) dearly loved his great-grandchildren, especially enjoying time playing cowboys and robbers or telling them about Jesus. It was nearly impossible for him to go anywhere without running into someone he knew—often being stopped by people thanking him for caring for their elderly parents or remembering how he helped them during a difficult time as a single parent. Almost everyone in Selma knew Sammie Collier, and he left a lasting impression on all who met him.
Sammie is survived by his loving wife, Alma Colleen Collier; granddaughter Brittany Coward and husband Kaleb; great-grandchildren Nash Coward, Walker Coward, and Weston Coward; sister Bonnie Johnson; sisters-in-law Josephine Narron, Linda Coley, Ruby Hayes and husband Donald, and Kathy Edwards; brothers-in-law Arthur Sellers, James Sellers and wife Doris, and Robert Sellers; as well as dear friends Marie Allen and husband Dwain, and Don Eason and wife Maria.
Sammie will be remembered for his faith, generosity, and the countless lives he touched through his work, friendship, and love for his community.
Online condolences may be left for the family at parrishfh.com.
