Billy Gene Collier, Sr., was born September 10, 1937, in Ridgely, Lake County, Tennessee, to Joseph and Earline Collier. One of seven children, Bill was preceded in death by his son, James Duwayne Collier, and by siblings James Harold Collier, Rhea Sanders, and Joan Tippett—who no doubt greeted him upon his heavenly arrival.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Ruby Dee Arrington Collier; his children Daryla Collier Colston (Charles), Billy Gene Collier, Jr., Anthony Darren Collier (Carla), and Jeffrey Brian Collier (Melanie); and by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him tremendous pride and joy.
Bill’s story began at Reelfoot Lake. At age 20 he set out for Chicago, and in 1958 he married the love of his life, Ruby. As their family quickly grew, they made their way back to Middle Tennessee. Later, they moved into their newly built home on Bidwell Road in Joelton, where they spent the last 54 years making memories, welcoming loved ones, being faithful members of the First Baptist Church of Joelton, and building a life rooted in his love for God, family, and hard work.
A natural people-person, Bill had the gift of connecting with others—always a salesman, and what many would call an “influencer” today. He began his career with Blakeslee International in Chicago. Through dedication and steady hard work, he was promoted to Service Manager for the greater Chicagoland area. After relocating to Tennessee, he served as Blakeslee’s Service Area Representative, which opened the door to a successful sales career with Maynard Fixturecraft. Later, he co-owned Equipment Concepts LLC, where he worked until retirement.
While Bill enjoyed the art of “influencing,” his greatest joy was always his family. Nothing made him happier than showing up— at ballgames, attending church, school and family events, and celebrating milestones for his “crew.” He also loved vintage cars, especially his 1956 Thunderbird, and he took pride in weekends spent at car shows, bringing home awards and sharing stories with friends who loved the hobby as much as he did.
Service Information: A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at 10:00 am, at Anderson Garrett Funeral Home, 3501 Old Clarksville Pike, Joelton, Tennessee. Internment follows at Joelton Hills Memory Gardens, Joelton, Tennessee. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 29, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, and Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. https://www.andersonandgarrett.com
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Tunnel to Towers Foundation or the First Baptist Church of Joelton Shut In Ministry.
Active Pallbearers are Daryla Colston, Bill Collier, Jr., Darren Collier, Jeff Collier, Josh Butterworth, Ben Butterworth, Brock Collier, Bryce Collier, and Jacob Butterworth.
Honorary Pallbearers are Jonah Butterworth, Jared Butterworth, Phoenix Butterworth, Kai Butterworth, Deelyn Collier, Marissa Collier, Lenora Collier, Kipton Collier, Heidi Collier Nieto, and Maiya Collier.
For more obituaries, visit https://davidsoncountysource.com/obituaries/
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