John Michael Collier

John Michael Collier, beloved husband, father, and Pawdy, a faithful son and brother, passed away on July 21, 2022, after a fierce battle with cancer. He was a native of Lynnville, Tennessee and retired from Bridgestone.

He was loved by all who met him, the kindest and most sincere friend to all. Mike loved most of all to spend his time with family, making his world class barbecue for a family gathering, frying a mess of fish with friends, and laughing with extended family at the annual Collier/Smith Reunion. An avid fisherman, his best days were spent on the lake fishing or drinking cowboy coffee with his dearly loved brother, Wayne, chasing crappie and bluegill with Robert and Gary, and bass fishing with his precious granddaughter, Elana. His days were enjoyed on the porch with Emily, his cherished wife of 43 years and love of his life, drinking coffee and enjoying the quietness of the mornings on Minnow Branch together, gardening, taking a back road to just find out where it goes, and watching the sunrise from the boat on Joe Wheeler. Standing by his side through thick and thin, Emily fought valiantly with Mike through his illness.

To know Mike was to love him, no one left as a stranger and most left as family. He was the rock we all leaned on for guidance, trusted for advice, an anchor to guide his family. He always gave the full definition of the word friend and would do anything for you if you needed him and was always the same no matter where or what he was doing. A true family man and devoted husband that loved his family fiercely.

Mike’s infectious, unique, and larger than life laugh brought laughter to everyone around him while telling the funniest stories about his work friends, work life, and days of old. Our family loved his Clyde stories and were delighted to finally meet the man behind the “work shenanigans” and tales of a lifelong respected friend. He loved his Bridgestone “brothers” dearly and they all kept in touch following his early retirement offering support and love to him through his extended illness.

A sincere thank you to Allison and Christy for providing not only the best of medical care, but a friendship that comforted him in the last years of his life. A doctor that provided medical treatment, but became family and loved him though his illness.

He is sorely missed by his companion, Shorty, the little chihuahua he loved.

Through everything, we are eternally grateful to his Heavenly Father, who has guided, loved, and kept him through life’s journey and took his hand while we held the other until his very last breath.

He is preceded in death by his father, Virgil Walker Collier and his mother-in-love, Sarah Sims.

He is survived by his wife, Emily Collier of Lynnville, TN; son, Robert Collier (Rebekah) of Five Points, TN; daughter, Carey Fulmer (Gary) of Decherd, TN; his mother Hester Mae Collier of Columbia, TN; brother, Wayne Collier (Kate) of Columbia, TN; sister, Tena Collier of Columbia, TN; his father-in-law, Wendell T. Sims of Lynnville, TN; beloved grandchild, Elana Collier; several nieces and nephews also survive. Bridgestone USW Local 1055L will be serving as honorary pallbearers.

Arrangements are being handled by Neal Funeral Home, 231 N. Military Avenue, Lawrenceburg, Tennessee. The family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on Saturday, July 30, 2022, at Neal Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be conducted at Neal Funeral Home at 3:00 PM on Saturday, July 30, 2022, with Kent Collier and Mark Hatfield officiating. The family suggests memorials be made to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306.

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