Ronnie Collier

Ronnie Ester Collier was born February 16, 1960 to the late Lonnie and Willie Mae (Collins) Collier in Freeport, Illinois. Ronnie departed this life at the age of 53 on Sunday, February 24, 2013 at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center after a sudden illness. He attended Taylor Park School, Freeport Junior High and Freeport Senior High where he graduated in June 1978. While in high school he played for the Freeport Pretzels and he received a football scholarship to Wayne State in Nebraska. He joined the United States Army in 1980 where he served until 1985. While serving in the armed forces he met and married Bridgette Stokes and to this union daughter, Briquelle (Collier) Backeberg was born. Ronnie moved to Los Angeles, CA in August 1978. He worked for the Los Angeles Immigration Service until he opened his own business. The love of his life, with the exception of his daughter Briquelle was his love of music. He could create and write music, play guitar and piano. His voice was usually beautiful. The last song he wrote and sang was 'Let The Angels In' which was a tribute to the children (fallen angels) of Sandy Hook, CT. He leaves to celebrate his life: his daughter, Briquelle (Robert) Backeberg; his mother, Willie Mae Collier; four sisters, Betty Hudson, Dorothy (Michael) Lewis, Ruby (Gregory) Richardson and Tabatha Collier- Ford; four brothers, Clifford, Terry, Calvin (Kym) and Troy Collier; grandchildren, Selah and Isaiah Backeberg; six nephews, Calvin J., Deontae (ShaNeka), Tyree, Tromain, Eugene Jr., and Tyrice Collier; one niece Terry Joanne Collier, two great nephews and 4 great nieces.. He was preceded in death by his father, Lonnie; brother, Eugene; nephew, Robert Collins; niece Summer Michelle Williamson, maternal and paternal grandparents and several aunts and uncles. Funeral services will be Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at Mt. Calvary Church at 1 p.m. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. A memorial has been established in his memory. Visit the guest book at www.burketubbs.com