WILMINGTON — Clarence Lloyd Collier, 83, passed gently from his earthly life Friday, August 30, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born November 2, 1940 in Cumberland County, the youngest of eight children born to Lattie Marvin Collier and Annie Jernigan Collier. In 1964 Lloyd married the love of his life, Anita Joy McLaurin and together they became the bedrock of a loving family.
Lloyd served most of his career as a barber on base at Fort Bragg—touching the heads and hearts of thousands of soldiers over the years. He worked also in textile production with Monsanto. Later in life he found joy in a “dream job” working for Enterprise Rent-a-Car where he got to drive brand new cars every day all over the state of NC. Lloyd was a deacon at Clement Baptist Church, and served proudly and humbly in this role for more than 50 years.
Lloyd was a kite-flyer, American car enthusiast, model builder, RC handler and a kid-at-heart with a big sense of FUN. He particularly loved sharing these joys with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Having always loved going for a drive, in his final months he became an “arm-chair roadtripper” as he traveled around the country with the RV Guy on YouTube! His family will remember him for his servant’s heart and generosity.
Mr. Collier is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Joy McLaurin Collier; daughter, Lori Daniels (Michael); sons, Richard Collier (Wendy) and Michael Collier (Angie); grandchildren, Laurin Allred (Alan), Carmen Blair (David), Holly Hatchell (Josh), Kristina Collier, Clark Collier, and Justin Collier; great grandchildren, Jonah, Kelly, Madison, Daniel, Chase, and Baker; brother, Whitley Collier (Lucy); many nieces, nephews and friends.
The family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to his caregivers Penny, Joyce, Kendra and Chaplain Susan at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.
A memorial service will be held at Clement Baptist Church, 6020 Maxwell Road, Autryville, NC 28318 on Thursday, September 5 at 2 p.m. The Family will receive friends and visitors from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate contributions in Lloyd’s memory to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation at 1414 Physicians Dr. Wilmington, NC 28401 or Clement Baptist Church at 6020 Maxwell Rd. Autryville, NC 28318.
Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family here.
