Ralph Thurl Collie

Ralph Thurl Collie, 92 of Dumas, passed away on Saturday, January 26, 2019. The funeral service will be conducted at 2 o'clock in the afternoon on Thursday, January 31, 2019 at Morrison Memorial Chapel with Chaplain Joye Watson officiating. Interment will follow in Dumas Cemetery with military honors provided by American Legion Post #224 of Dumas. The family will receive friends from 6 o'clock until 7 o'clock in the evening on Wednesday at the funeral home. Arrangements are entrusted to Morrison Funeral Directors. Ralph was born on February 2, 1926 in Mount Pleasant, AR to Ross and Cuba (Bray) Collie. Ralph honorably served his country as a machine gunner in the United States Army and was actively deployed during World War II. His medals and decorations include: Bronze Star, European African Middle Eastern Campaign, World War II Medal, Republique Francaise Medal, American Campaign Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Battle of the Bulge Medal, Combat Service Medal, Overseas Medal, Expert Marksmanship in Machine Gun, Rifle, Carbine, Auto Rifle, Pistol, Grenade, Mortar and Bayonet. After his service to his country, Ralph moved to Mclean Tx where he married Dale Duncan on November 29, 1947. The very next day, the family moved to Dumas and raised their family. Ralph began employment with Shamrock Oil and Gas where he worked for over 30 years until his retirement; at which time he had earned the position of Assistant Gas Plant Supervisor. Ralph would stay active remodeling and painting houses with his good friend, Mike DeBons. Ralph was a very devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and will be missed. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 71 years, Dale Collie; children: Pamela, Terry and Dennis siblings: Delmas, Juanita, his twin Earl, Frances and Jack. Ralph leaves behind a son: Tony Collie and wife Diane of Virginia; daughter: Denise Lechner and husband Harvey of Dumas; grandchildren: Mary Collie, Dylan Collie, Daniel Collie, Stephanie Coggins and Tabor Lechner; great grandchildren: Nicole and Brandon Coggins. The family suggest in place of customary remembrances, that donations be made to The Fisher House for Veterans, 4500 S Lancaster Rd, Dallas, TX 75216 or to the donor's charity of choice. The family will be at 214 Beard.