Hal Franklin Collier Sr., MD

Dr. Collier was born on December 27, 1938 in Bladenboro, N.C., son of the late Arthur Gray Collier Sr. and Edelle Hester Collier. He attended Bladenboro High School and participated in Boy Scouts of America, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout at age 12, the youngest Eagle Scout in their troop’s history. He completed his AB English and MD degrees at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. Moving to Staten Island, N.Y., he then finished an Internship, Residency, and 4 Fellowships in Radiology and Neuroradiology while also commissioned as a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Public Health Service. Following his Board Certification as a Radiologist, he moved with his family to Atlanta, GA. There he established the first Neuroradiology Department at Piedmont Hospital. He accepted a partnership in Radiology Atlanta Group in 1973 and semi-retired in 2007, with Locum Tenens in GA, TX, and N.C.

Dr. Collier was a founding member of St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church. He was an avid UNC Tarheel Basketball fan and served as Past President of the UNC Atlanta Alumni Association. His favorite pastimes included spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren. He frequented many football, soccer, and volleyball games as well as concerts, recitals and musicals to see his children and grandchildren perform. He was a strong supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, and as an Eagle Scout himself, he proudly awarded the same Eagle rank to his son Hal Collier Jr, his stepson Huntley McConnel, and his grandson Matthew Nilsen. He enjoyed boating and living on Lake Lanier and was honored to serve as Past Commodore of The University Yacht Club. He had a servant’s heart and volunteered to preach at the UYC Sunday service when the usual preacher was out of town. He looked forward to travels, and most recently visited Gatlinburg, TN and Amelia Island, FL with family. He maintained a love of the arts his entire life and served as Past Chairman of the Board for The Gwinnett Arts Council and The Hudgens Center for the Arts in Duluth, GA.

Hal is survived by his wife of 42 years, Anne Palmer Collier; two brothers: Arthur Gray Collier (Esther Lee) and Phil Douglas Collier (Regina), Bladenboro, N.C.; daughter Lisa Collier Nilsen (Steve), Jefferson, GA; son Hal Franklin Collier Jr. (Julia), Lawrenceville, GA; daughter Lauren Collier Hyams (Keith), Marietta, GA; stepdaughter Mary Anne McConnel Ericson (Brian), Atlanta, GA; stepson Huntley McCleod McConnel, Atlanta, GA; grandchildren: Lindsey Nicole Nilsen, Matthew Steven Nilsen, Connor Collier Hyams, Carter Thomas Hyams, Hope MeiLani Collier, William Frederick Ericson, Max Palmer Ericson, and Isabel Serie Ericson. His grandchildren all knew him as Papa and loved his eagerness to play and engage with them in whatever activities were their absolute favorite, whether it was tossing a football, playing with blocks, or reading a storybook. Everyone who knew Hal loved his smile and his easy-going nature. He kept a positive outlook and was always encouraging to others.

The family plans a private Celebration of Life to be held on a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice or share your favorite memory of Hal with his family. The arrangements are entrusted to H.M. Patterson & Son – Arlington Chapel. Online condolences may be expressed at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/sandy-springs-ga/hal-collier-10053253.