STARKVILLE — A.J. Collier, 95, died Aug. 20, 2025, at OCH Regional Medical Center.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, at Rockhill U.M. Church, with Jerome Wilson officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Visitation is from 1-5 p.m. Friday at Hairston and Hairston Funeral Homes. Hairston and Hairston Funeral Homes of Starkville is in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Collier was born Jan. 18, 1930, in Starkville, to the late Ambrose and Ada Collier. He was formerly employed at A&M Dairy Company, Howard Furniture Company, the Cab Company, Forest Products Lab, and Mississippi State University. He was a member of Rock Hill U.M. Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Denise Williams, nine siblings, and three grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife, Bessie B. Collier; children, James “Ricky” Williams, Willie J. Collier, Keith Collier, and Delyum Jones of Starkville, and Jeffery L. Collier of Reform, Alabama; adopted daughters, Helen Smith and Wilda Carpenter; sister, Jessie C. Young; 20 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.