Earl Turner Collier

Earl Turner Collier, 87, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 2, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 29, 1938, to Sally Burres and Rob Collier.

Earl spent many years working for the United States Postal Service. He began his career as a mailman in the era when carriers walked their routes, hauling mail in a big leather bag. After retiring from the USPS, he continued working as a car salesman.

Earl was always on the go, enjoying lunches and dinners with family and friends. He faithfully played bingo every Tuesday and Thursday with his friends and was an avid LSU fan. Although he enjoyed all these activities, spending time with his family was what he cherished most.

Earl, affectionately known as "PawPaw," loved spending time with his family, especially enjoying family vacations. Hitting the age of 80 didn't slow him down-PawPaw was always ready for adventure. He conquered waterslides in Isla Mujeres and trapsed through jungles in the Yucatán so that he could hold a sloth. He fearlessly hopped on the back of a scooter to cruise the streets of Valladolid and bravely descended steep, makeshift stairs so that he could float in peaceful cenotes. Another favorite pastime was going on cruises with his family.

PawPaw cherished spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He cheered them on at football, basketball, and soccer games, as well as wrestling matches. Concerts and dance recitals rounded out his social calendar.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children: Penny Zaffino and husband Jay, Janice "Sissy" Elliott and husband Bennie, and Mary "DeDe" Pierrottie; grandchildren: Lori (Lance), Kristi (Paul), Ryan (Laura), Brett, Allen, Amy (Brittany), Blaine (Shaylee), Jimmie, and Jenne (Robert); and great-grandchildren: Rowdy, Presley, Remi, Macie, Reed, Sadie, Parker, Dexter, Andrew, Ryder, Margeau, Ajay, Wesley, Roselyn, and Brody. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Earl was preceded in death by his loving wife, Rose Collier, and his parents.

A graveside service will be held at Westlake Memorial Park Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026. Following the service, the celebration of PawPaw's life will continue at the home of Bennie and Sissy Elliott. Cremation has been entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home.