Dan Collier

Absent from the body, present with the Lord. ~ 2 Corinthians 5:8 Danny Joe Collier, aka “Dan”, of Brentwood, Tennessee, passed away on Friday, March 17, 2023, at the age of 76. He was born on September 16, 1946 in Martinsville, Indiana, to the late Forest and Joanna (Bunton) Collier. Dan was survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Marilyn (Roth) Collier, four children - Heather Goyette(Jeff), Shannon Julian (Glenn), Zachary Collier (Lauren), and Aimee Jordan (Michael), and 13 grandchildren. He also left behind his brothers, Jerome Collier (Dolores, aka “Cookie”), Jerry Collier (Barbara), and Kevin Collier (Cora), as well as numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and other extended family members. Additionally, Dan was the leader to his two loyal dogs, Frankie and Izzy. Upon high school graduation, Dan attended college at Judson University in Elgin, Illinois, and completed some graduate work at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. At the young age of 19, he married his college sweetheart on June 11, 1966. Dan and Marilyn built a beautiful life across seven states, grounded in their love for one another, and more importantly, their faith in God. Dan sought the Lord’s will throughout his personal and professional life. He worked tirelessly to build a successful career, not for his own ambition, but to provide for his family and honor God. After receiving his B.A. degree, he taught middle school for five years in Dundee, Illinois. He then served at Pfizer for 33 years, where he advanced to the role of Vice President of Sales and developed meaningful relationships with his colleagues. After retiring in 2008, he continued to invest in his children, grandchildren, and church community. Never one to sit still, Dan loved being active, either by exercising/jogging, walking the dogs, or taking a stroll on a trail or at the beach. He also enjoyed visiting the mountains, especially the Adirondacks in New York. In his spare time, Dan liked to read, study, and keep up with current events. He always maintained beautiful home outdoor spaces, and engaged in landscaping each summer. Whenever there was a need, Dan was available to help others. Anyone who spent time with Dan would describe him as the most hard-working, generous, humble, honorable, and witty man they knew. He was a mentor and role model to many, and the embodiment of a “servant leader” in all areas of life. Dan held a steadfast faith in God, and spent much time studying the Bible and sharing God’s grace to others. While living in New Jersey, Dan (and Marilyn) planted a new church with a handful of other families, where he served as an Elder, mentor, and leader for various church ministries. More recently, in Tennessee, Dan was active in a men’s Bible study group and participated in multiple volunteer projects. Throughout the past 18 months, Dan courageously endured Glioblastoma, a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer. During that time, Dan remained faithful and committed to being there for his loved ones. The family would especially like to thank Alive Hospice and The Key for the care and compassion they showed Dan during his final months, as well as many friends who provided wonderful support through prayer, meals, and hugs. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life for Dan on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 10:30 am. The service will be located at: Cross Point Church (Franklin Campus), 1213 Country Rd, Franklin, TN 37069 In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Dan’s honor to the Glioblastoma Foundation or Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation (for which Dan’s daughter, Heather, will be completing a bike ride in May). Donation links are provided below. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/nashville-cremation for the Collier family.