Tommy J Collier

Tom (Tommy) J. Collier, resident of Dallas, TX, passed away on May 20, 2019, at the age of 83. He was born on May 7, 1936, to R.F. Collier and Minnie Lee Massey in the front bedroom of his Grandmother’s house in the community of Friendship, TX, located near Temple, TX. His family moved to Austin, TX, when he was a young teenager. He became a Texas Longhorn almost immediately and that loyalty remained all of his life. Six weeks after a “blind” date, Tom and Virginia married. The date was November of 1959, Friday the 13th. As they both loved to say… 59 years, six months and one week.

Tom began his career in television one day in the summer of 1954 by walking into the Driskill Hotel in Austin, TX, which was home to KTBC Television, Channel 7, owned by Lady Byrd Johnson. He advanced to KCEN TV located in Temple-Waco, TX. In 1966, he received a call from KDFW-CBS in Dallas where he worked in the Sales Department. When he reached his 25 year mark, Tom determined to become involved with antiques sales and estate liquidations. So, he became an importer of English antiques which he sold at The Snider Plaza Antiques Shops, Antique Row and Roundtop’s Marburger Farm Show.

Tom also loved to travel. From Australia to China to Italy to Greece, then on to France, Spain, and Belgium. He and Virginia were in East Germany, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia one month after the wall came down. They toured Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. They spent Virginia’s 60th birthday in Bora Bora. Hawaii and England were their favorite destinations for many years.

The last great adventure undertaken by Tom was “The Farm,” a 100 year old house with 11 acres that Tom mowed in sections creating a five-day mowing week. After the house was finished, the move for permanent residency occurred. Tom loved to work outside planting and growing (or attempting to grow) fruit trees. Neighbors accused him of trying to create a “Private Park!” It was a beautiful sight.

Always a strong advocate for church work, Tom was a consummate usher. At Highland Park UMC he became an 8 and 9:30 service volunteer almost immediately after joining the church. He served the 9:30 service eventually as lead usher. In 2012, the Collier’s moved their membership to Commerce FUMC and Tom once again became an usher.

As his body began to fail and give way to Vascular Dementia, Tom found it difficult to enjoy associations with old friends. Names, then words disappeared, followed by the ability to walk which put him permanently in a wheelchair. Despite all this, his faith never diminished.

Services for Tom will be held on Friday, May 24th at 10am in Cox Chapel at Highland Park United Methodist Church, followed by burial at Hillcrest Memorial Park. There will be a reception following the burial at Sparkman/Hillcrest where family will greet friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Courtyard Christian Care Center at 950 Wiggins Parkway, Mesquite, TX 75150, or the Highland Park United Methodist Church in Tommy's honor.