Collier, Russell Lee

Russell Lee Collier July 30, 1939 – November 25, 2018. The world has lost a kind and gentle soul, a retired officer of the Air Force, Russell Collier of Blacksburg, VA, who passed away at age 79. For all of his adult years, employees and friends alike described him as “a true gentleman.”

He planned his military career while a student in the ROTC at West Virginia University, from which he was graduated in 1962, and, immediately afterwards, married his high school sweetheart, Marie Lambert. He followed his career path with the military for 24 years before retiring with the rank of Colonel. He served on the island of Guam from 1964-66 where he and other military members were glued to the scene of B-52s landing on the airfield to carry out sorties over Vietnam. In 1970 he reported for duty in Vietnam, Cam Ranh Bay.

He was the son of Marvin and Helen (Quesenberry) Collier, both of Carroll County, VA, who moved to the coal fields of McDowell County, WV, soon after their marriage. They remained in the coal fields until 1962, then moved to Hillsville, VA, later residing in Tazewell, VA.

Russ served at the Pentagon for two tours of duty, 1971-1975, returning in 1980-1986. The last tour, with rank of Colonel, he worked as a liaison officer between the Pentagon and Capitol Hill.

He attended Air Force schools including an Accounting & Finance Officer course, 1963; Squadron Officer School, 1970; Air Command & Staff College, 1976; Professional Military Comptroller course 1977; Civilian Personnel Policies and Practices Procedures course, 1977.

Over his military career, he served as Air Force comptroller for 6 years; Accounting & Finance Staff Officer, 7 years; and another tour as Accounting & Finance Officer for 11 years.

After retirement from the Air Force in 1986, he remained in Northern Virginia to work for General Electric. After two mergers, he ultimately worked for Lockheed Martin, developing a marketing plan for their GPS system.

Russ had two university degrees: Accounting and a Master’s Degree in Hospital Administration.

After his retirement from Lockheed Martin and moving to Blacksburg in 2003, he especially enjoyed golfing with his local buddies. For hunting there were the local buddies and also the hilarious jokester, Ray Johnson of Tazewell. He loved to fish, and, thoughtful, loving son that he was, he decided it was time to treat his elderly father to a trip to Labrador in 1987. It was a trip long treasured and reminisced.

In addition, he and wife Marie hiked for many years and miles in places such as the Blue Ridge Parkway, Mt. Rogers, and other locations as he moved from base to base with the military.

While in the military, he was awarded a Legion of Merit; Bronze Star; Meritorious Service with 2 oak leaf clusters; Air Force Commendation plus 1 oak leaf; Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor and 3 oak leaf clusters; National Defense ribbon; Vietnam Service ribbon with 3 Bronze service stars; Air Force Overseas Service short tour, and additional long tour; Air Force Longevity Service ribbon with 1 silver oak leaf; Small Arms Expert Marksmanship ribbon; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit citation with palm, and Vietnam Campaign ribbon.

Russ is survived by his sister, Karon C. Smiley of Steubenville, OH, (special partner Mark Henne); sister-in-law Brenda Johnson (husband Ray) of Tazewell, VA; sister-in-law Ava Hensley of Skygusty, WV; nieces Catie Boyd of Lewisburg WV; Amy Ratliff (husband Matthew) Tazewell, VA; Jewell Hensley McSweeney (husband Duncan), Cumberland, RI; nephew Ken Hensley (wife Lori) of Hubert, NC; nephew Jeff Smiley (Kathy), Bluefield WV; and an abundance of lovable great nieces and nephews.

A military funeral service will be conducted Thursday, November 29, 2018 at 5:00 pm at the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel in Blacksburg. Private burial will be held Friday in the Grandview Memory Gardens, Bluefield, VA. The family will receive friends from 4:00-5:00 pm prior to the service Thursday at the funeral home.