Whitakers -

At a time for which we were not prepared, but completely divined by our Lord and Savior, our beloved Rudy passed away Sunday afternoon, February 4, 2024 at age 72.

Rudy's life began November 22, 1951 in Nash County, NC as a son born to Astor C. and Lillie Mae Brake Collie. At the tender age of 17, he made the very selfless decision to serve his country in the United States Army where he was a part of the infantry warrior division. He was assigned to the demilitarized zone located between North and South Korea. Following his time in the Army, he married the love of his life, Carol Smith, and they created a beautiful family and life together.

Rudy enjoyed a successful career with Consolidated Diesel Company and retired following twenty-five years of service. Before that retirement, he decided to answer another calling and began the education and training process to become a registered nurse, graduating in the spring of 2008. After three days of retirement, he was ready to get busy again and thus began a wonderful and extremely valuable nursing career in the healthcare industry. Rudy was born with a servant's heart that grew into a deeply held passion for helping others. This giving nature led him to also serve as a volunteer fireman and paramedic, eager to help others in any capacity.  He loved his patients, and they loved him; his unique humor would make them laugh. More importantly, he prayed with them, encouraged them, and freely shared about the love of Jesus Christ.

In Rudy's spare time, he loved to work in his yard with Carol. As time permitted, he enjoyed going fishing and just taking in God's creation. He was also a craftsman and could fix anything. He even honed in his skills well enough to do body work on his own vehicles. Rudy was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather and he loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and his NorthSide Church family.

In addition to his parents, Rudy was preceded in death by his brothers, Grady Collie and William "Bill" Hilton Collie.

He created a lifetime of wonderful memories that will always be cherished by his beloved wife, Carol Smith Collie; daughter, Amanda Carol Collie Pierce and fiancé, Daniel "Benny" Pellum of Red Oak; sister, Odell Dawes of Four Oaks; brothers, Tim Collie (Cheryl) of Wilson; grandchildren; Jenna and Levi Pellum; sister-in-law, Carol Collie of San Antonio Texas; and Gracie Jane, his "angel dog", along with many nieces, nephews, family friends and other extended relatives.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at 2:00 PM, at Northside Community Church, 1660 Beaver Pond Drive, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

While floral arrangements are welcome, you may consider memorial donations to: Wounded Warrior Project .