J.C. Collis
John Calvin “J.C.” Collis was born on November 22, 1931, to John Stephen and Myrtle (Orsburn) Collis, near Dixie Lease Wewoka, and passed away on July 3rd, 2022 in Tulsa.
Following the death of his mother in 1935 and his father in 1942, J.C. and his sisters Geraldine, Norma, and Joan were raised by their Aunt Mable and Uncle Harry Etchison.
He graduated from Moss High School in 1949. In October of that same year, he enlisted in the United States Navy where he served his country for 22 years. During his career he was stationed in San Diego, California, Memphis, Tennessee, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Great Lakes, Illinois, Bermuda, Norfolk, Virginia and Corpus Christi, Texas. He served on the USS Noble, USS Collett, USS Princeton and USS Forrestal.
On October 23, 1955, he married Lucille Petete in Holdenville. She became a Navy wife joining him in Memphis. Following retirement from the Navy, he worked for 19 years as a purchasing and receiving clerk for Holdenville Public Schools.
J.C. was a family man, always putting family first. He would help any family member in every way he could. He was a member of Capitol Heights Missionary Baptist Church and the Masons.
Every year he would plant a garden growing fruits and vegetables including tomatoes, okra, asparagus, cantaloupe, watermelon, and peppers. He was an avid reader and always had a newspaper, book, or magazine by his chair. He enjoyed fishing and competing in games such as dominoes, moon, and Skip-Bo. He was married to a huge sports fan and enjoyed attending games with Lucille. For over 10 years they were season ticket holders for OU football and attended all of the home games with John and Melinda. They were also big Holdenville and Moss sports fans. They enjoyed watching John, all the grandkids and nephews play ball. J.C. had a great sense of humor and always enjoyed a good joke. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by his sister Joan Andrews of Hoover, Alabama, and sister-in-law Wanda Petete of Norman; daughter Frances Collis of Seminole, and son John and wife Melinda Collis of Jenks. Four grandchildren: Michael O’Bryant, Bobby O’Bryant, Michelle Boyd and Gabe Collis. Ten great grandchildren: Dezerray, Haley, Tayler, Ashlyn, Bubba, Kobee, Alexus, Dylan, Brooklynn, and Brazen. Nine great, great grandchildren: Kysen, Ryker, Rhettlynn, Hudson, Jettson, Carter, Corben, Coen, and Blakeleigh. Nieces Vicky, Karen, Brenda, Paula, Patricia, Jeannie, Pam, Karen, and Kathy. Nephews Lloyd, Leon, James, and Richard.
J.C. was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Lucille, two sisters, Norma Petete and Geraldine Morris.
Pallbearers are Leon Petete, Richard Petete, Mike Dockery, Bobby O’Bryant, Nathan Stastny, and Legend Burrier. Honorary pallbearers are Scott Petete, James Petete, Thomas Mackey, David Mackey, Steve Petete, and Tim Petete.
Services will be held on Friday, July 8, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., at the Phillips Funeral Home Chapel, and will be officiated by Bro. Mack Peercy and assisted by Scott Petete. Interment will follow at the Holdenville Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Phillips Funeral Services.
