Earl Raymond Collie, 1903-1992

Earl Raymond Collie was born June II, 1903, in Danville, Virginia, son of the late John William and Viola Franklin Collie. On September 22, 1954, he married Charlie Fay Murdock whom he met while preaching a revival in Statesville, North Carolina. From that day on they were a great team for Christ.

Earl became an approved supply pastor in 1928, a probationary member on November 2, 1931, and was received into full connection on October 30, 1933. His ministry covered a period of 45 very faithful years of service. He served multiple charges to station churches. His last appointment was in Richmond. The Collies moved to Statesville, North Carolina, and became active in the life of Broad Street United Methodist Church upon his retirement. Earl's funeral service was conducted at Broad Street Church with friends and family and fellow civic club members and church members present. It was obvious that his life had touched the lives of many in a very positive manner.

Earl had an abiding interest in mission as his trip to Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico indicated. He served on various district committees. Also, he continued preaching and teaching Sunday school as long as his health permitted. His concern for people and community was also exhibited in his participation in civic organizations like Kiwanis of which he was a past president of the Golden K Kiwanis Club of Statesville.

Each church he served over the years was strengthened by his ability to proclaim the Gospel and administer the life of the church for effective mission and ministry. Truly, this man of God understood fully the great cause to which he had been called and dedicated his life's energy to a meaningful successful fulfillment of his "call to preach."

Earl shared his faith right until his last days upon this earth. Even though sick and in the hospital, he expressed concern for the spiritual well-being of those who cared for him. He would talk to them about their church affiliation and their relationship to Christ in a gentle and loving manner. Even then he never lost sight of the fact that he had been called to "spread the Gospel."

In this day and time it was refreshing for me to come to know Earl and Charlie Fay as their pastor. I say that because it was so very obvious to me that Earl had spent his years in ministry performing the tasks of ministry with conviction, enthusiasm, and compassion. The stories he shared with me about his experiences while serving the local church were not only delightful, they were enlightening, too. Also, Earl's sharing his experience of ministry with me has enabled me to rejoice in my own calling that much more and solicited from me a determination for a greater dedication.

This calling of ours is still the greatest. I have come to believe that as one minister passes the ministerial mantle (which can be done in a variety of ways) on to another that one is enriched and empowered to greater things for the cause of Christ. We in ministry today benefit greatly from those who were in ministry yesterday.

So, may the memory of those like Earl Raymond Collie, who moved from the church militant to the church triumphant on May 10,1992, serve to inspire and empower those of us in active ministry today.

Well done thou good and faithful servant...

 

-D.R. Fairbanks Jr.