Bobby Ray "Bob" Collie

Bobby Ray “Bob” Collie, 82, of Reidsville, passed away Monday, May 25, 2026. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Dan River Primitive Baptist Church with Elder Jimmy Gray officiating. Burial will follow at Dan River Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Wilkerson Funeral Home.

Born in Reidsville on September 30, 1943, he was the son of the late John Siddle Collie, Sr. and Nellie Dix Collie. He graduated from Ruffin High School in 1961 and went on to serve in the United States Navy from 1961 until 1964. During his service, he completed basic training in San Diego, attended communications school in Pensacola, Florida, and was stationed in both Iceland and Scotland. He married the former Sara Combs in 1967, and they were married until 1997. He graduated from Elon College, now Elon University, in 1968. Over the years, he worked with RCC, GCC, and Goodwill of Western NC. He was a lifelong Primitive Baptist.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his siblings, John S. Collie, Jr., David F. Collie, and Peggy C. Owens West. He is survived by his three sons: Scott Collie and husband Derek, Richard Collie and wife Cindy, and Wallis Collie and wife Kristen; five grandchildren: Catherine, Matthew, Isla, Copeland, and Ellery; Terry Bailey, his partner of more than 30 years; and numerous nieces and nephews.

His sons wish to thank his adopted family at Brookdale of Reidsville for their genuine care and compassion for our dad. Their capacity to preserve a resident’s dignity and humanity is a gift from God.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dan River Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Phyllis Stroud, 1732 Westover Drive, Danville, VA 24541.

P.S.

I chose a short obituary rather than a long one, for those who knew me know what I sought to be and do, and a long obituary serves no real purpose or meaning for the public at large.

This last paragraph mirrors my feelings to a “jot and a tittle.” Love ya! Dad!