Leland Gene Collier

Leland Gene Collier, Sr. December 19, 1930 May 20, 2008 Leland Gene Collier, Sr. of Woodway passed away Tuesday, May 20, 2008 following a brief illness, while surrounded by his loving family and many friends. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, May 24, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6:00 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 23, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel. Leland was born December 19, 1930 in Waco, Texas to Bob and Addie Collier. He graduated from Waco High School in 1948 before joining the US Navy where he served on the USS Bon Homme Richard during the Korean War. It was there that he learned the electrical trade, which would eventually serve as his life long career. He married his hometown sweetheart, Ray Ann Parks Collier in May of 1952 while on leave in San Diego, California. After his military service he returned to Waco and was employed with Tom Cuff Electric, and Paul Bowen Electric before establishing his own electrical contracting firm in 1963, Leland Collier Electric Company. He and his wife built the business together along with their children and many dedicated employees, beginning with multi-family housing projects around the Baylor University area, leading to many commercial projects throughout Central Texas, and finally specializing in new construction of public schools in Waco, Dallas and Austin. Leland was a Master Mason of the George N. Denton No. 24, and a proud member of the Karem Shrine Temple of Waco. Leland loved coaching his children and grandchildren in local little league sports and over the years he sponsored numerous youth activities in and around the Waco area. He was a wonderful husband, a caring father, and a very giving person to all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, James R. Collier. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ray Ann Parks Collier of Woodway; two daughters, Sandy Walts and husband Tommy, and Cynthia Calao; two sons, Buddy Collier and wife Janice, and Robert Collier and wife Dawn. He was blessed with ten grandchildren; Kaci Lerma and husband Freddy, Lee Collier and wife Jessica, Charlie Collier, Carly King, Stephanie Webb, Natalie Collier, Blake Collier, Anthony Calao, Ethan Collier, and Seth Collier as well as three great-grandchildren, Madisyn Lerma, Camryn Collier and Luke Collier; many extended family members, as well as his numerous loyal and devoted "family" of employees. Pallbearers are Randy King, David King, Mark King, Bruce Wandless, Steve Kent and Mike Stephens; his most valued and trusted associates. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com.