Gene Collier

FORT MEADE - Mr. Edgar Eugene "Gene" Collier, 75, went to be with his Lord on Thursday, March 27, 2014 at his home.  Gene was born in Fort Meade, FL on April 4, 1938 where he remained a life long resident.  He was a cattleman and also a lifelong phosphate miner, currently employed by The Mosaic Company for 55 years.  Gene's passion was raising cattle and that was an endeavor that he excelled in through his lifetime.  He always had a funny comment and never hesitated to laugh, even if it was at his own expense.   Gene was a good hearted, generous man and always said what he felt without pulling any punches.    Among Gene's many lifetime accomplishments, he was a member of the Fort Meade Fire Dept. for 48 years, a graduate of Fort Meade High School, class of 1957, and a member of the First Church of God, Fort Meade.      Gene was preceded in death by his brothers, James Collier and Johnny Collier, and sister, Valeida Padgelak.      He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Betty L. Collier, Fort Meade, FL; son, Gary E. Collier, Wauchula, FL; daughters, Lanelle Coulter and husband Mike, Fort Meade, FL, and Karen Burdett and husband Matt, Harrodsburg, KY; brother, Joseph Collier, Largo, FL; half-brother, Wayne Brantley, Lakeland, FL; grandchildren, Shane Coulter and wife Audrey and Brittany Raebig and husband Daniel; great-granddaughter, Caroline Coulter, and one grandchild from the heart, Kara Burns.      Visitation will be held 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Sunday, March 30, 2014 at Hancock Funeral Home, 945 E. Broadway, Fort Meade.   Funeral services will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Travis Risner officiating.  Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Fort Meade.   Condolences may be sent to the family at www.hancockfh.com .      Hancock Funeral Home, Fort Meade, FL  863-285-8171