Alton Collie

AIKEN, SC - Alton (Al) Collie, 95 of Aiken, SC, passed away on Tuesday, December 22, 2020. He was a beloved son, husband, father, and grandfather. He leaves behind to cherish his memory the love of his life, and his wife of 71 years, Naomi Hyler Collie.

     Al was a native of Farmville, NC, and the son of the late William C. and Estelle Grimmer Collie. He was the last surviving of their 14 children from Wilmington, NC.  He served in the US Army and was a World War II Veteran.  He moved to Aiken in 1951 and retired from DuPont at the Savannah River Plant. He was an active member of Millbrook Baptist Church where over the years he served as a Deacon, member of the Whittlers, Sunday school teacher, Royal Ambassador Counselor, and church sports league coach.

     Al enjoyed playing basketball in high school in Wilmington and at that time was affectionately known as “Melon Collie” on the basketball court. His love of basketball continued throughout his life – he loved watching the “Sweet 16” and pulling for his favorite team, the UNC Tar Heels. He was known to many in Aiken as “Coach Collie,” as he coached local basketball, softball and baseball leagues while his children were growing up. Al also loved the ocean and shrimping; many wonderful family trips with his children and grandchildren were spent at Edisto Beach, SC. He was the senior citizen ping pong champion in Aiken (Recreation Department) for several years (he played well into his 80’s), and he enjoyed teaching anyone and everyone how to play, especially his children and grandchildren. He had a special way of making others feel good about themselves by making his opponent think they could actually beat him. He will always be remembered for his patience, guidance, and love of the Lord.

     Survivors, in addition to his wife, Naomi, include a daughter, Dr. Cynthia Holmes of Sullivan’s Island, SC; three sons, Cliff Collie and wife Allison of Greenwood, SC, Dr. Craig Collie and wife Patty of Dickson, TN, Dr. Brian Collie and wife Mary Jo of Bluefield, WV; eight grandchildren, Kennedy Sawyer (Ryan), Logan Holmes, Colten Holmes, Austin Collie, Hunter Collie, Dr. Carson Collie, Cameron Collie, Blake Collie; and great-grandson, Roman Sawyer.

     A private graveside service will be held Saturday afternoon, December 26, 2020, in Aiken Memorial Gardens with The Reverend Bill Howard III officiating.

     In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Millbrook Baptist Church Building Fund, 223 South Aiken Blvd. SE, Aiken, SC 29803.

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC