FRANKLIN-Talmadge Carlyle Collier, 92, born October 13, 1918 to the late James Emory and Olive Rose Collier, lived a long, successful life here until he passed on to be with his Heavenly Father on April 10, 2011.

He was the last of seven siblings to leave this world for his eternal life in Heaven. Talmadge is survived by Jessie Mae Bryant Collier, his devoted wife of seventy years. His life was full of cherished memories, successful endeavors, and loving family and friends. He was blessed with a faithful daughter and son-in-law, Amanda and Earl Johnson, who added to his joy by having two daughters, Judith Johnson Hasty and Sherry Johnson Garris. He had two wonderful grandson-in-laws, Frankie Hasty and Paul Garris. Among those who have survived him are his seven great-grandchildren, Logan, Raegan, Kaylee, Noah, Grant, Alivia and Jenna, all of whom he loved and prayed for each night. Talmadge is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Talmadge was predeceased by one sister, Vera Lee Bridgers, and five brothers, Glenn, Raymond, Lester, Wilton, and Francis Collier.

For many years, Talmadge worked hard to provide for his family. He proudly fought forest fires in the mountains of California in the Civilian Conservation Corp Camp in California. Then Talmadge continued his work at a cotton mill in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina. Later he was a ship fitter at the Charleston Navy Yard in South Carolina. His career continued at St. Regis in Franklin, Virginia until he retired as a supervisor in the printing department in September 1980. After his career ended, he continued his life as a wonderful, dedicated, and loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

During his life, Talmadge was a dedicated member of Franklin Baptist Church where he was a former usher and deacon. He was a faithful member of the Bruner Bible Class. Talmadge was also an active member of the Forks of the River Ruritan Club. Although he was not a member, he enjoyed the fellowship at the Community Hunt Club in Carrsville, Virginia.

Talmadge had many passions that he shared with his family and friends. He was an avid fisherman who loved to have backyard fish fries. He was also a self-proclaimed handyman. One person’s trash was definitely his treasure. He enjoyed making homemade trinkets and useful gadgets. Above all else, Talmadge loved his family. He was always willing to do what he was able for those around him.

Today, Talmadge is enjoying his eternal life with those who have passed before him. He is blessed to be in the presence of his Heavenly Father. His family takes comfort knowing that his life is not over, rather continuing in a better place.

His funeral will be conducted at 2:00pm on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 at Franklin Baptist Church with the Reverends Brent Kimlick and Sharon James, officiating. The burial will be at Southampton Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at Wright Funeral Home from 7:00 to 8:30pm on Tuesday, April 12, 2011. Condolences may be offered at www.wrightfuneralhome.org