Carroll Loyd Collier

Carroll Loyd Collier left this world Thursday, April 27 at home with his wife of 70 years and youngest son by his side. His grateful family now grieves the passing of a man of highest integrity and inspiring artistry. Born in Dallas, Carroll knew early in life that he would be an artist, and during WWII in the US Army Transportation Corp, he received the artistic training to advance that career. Returning to Dallas, Carroll became a freelance artist beginning with simple drawings for the Yellowpages and eventually becoming one of the most prominent illustrators in the Dallas / Ft Worth area for clients such as Braniff Airlines, Dr. Pepper, Six Flags, Lone Star Brewing and others. After the war, he was reacquainted with his younger sister’s best friend, Mildred Ferguson, and they married in November 9, 1946. Their young family spanned the baby boom. John born in 1948, then Lilla, Lori, Steve, Tom and finally Grant in 1964. Moving his family to Forney, Texas in 1967, Carroll left a successful illustration career to follow his passion. His life in fine art began by selling his paintings at local fairs. As his work gained a following, he was soon represented by galleries throughout Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California, with his work hanging in the White House during the George HW Bush Presidency. Today his paintings are treasured by universities, libraries, and prominent collections throughout the country. Carroll began his spiritual journey in the Church of Christ where he was a lay minister, then the Oak Cliff Christian Church as an elder, and later became a faithful member of the 7th Church of Christ Scientist in Dallas. All who knew Carroll witnessed a man of grace, setting strangers at ease and giving of himself to those he loved. Carroll thought deeply, cared and loved sincerely. Carroll is survived by his sister Edith, his lovely wife Mildred, four sons, their wives and partners, fifteen grandchildren, thirty three great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughters Lilla and Lori, and his daughter-inlaw Shirley. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at New Hope Funeral Home, Sunnyvale, Texas on Saturday, May 6, 2017 beginning at 10 AM. In lieu of flowers, Mildred asked that donations be made to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children