J.B. Collett

J.B. Collett
Retired Military

Augusta, GA – Entered into rest Wednesday, June 8, 2011, Mr. J.B. Collett, 89, husband of the late Mattie Lee Lane (Orr).

Mr. Collett was born in Hazard, Kentucky on September 6, 1921 to Chester Collett and Stella Nicholson Collett. As a child he grew up in Perry County Kentucky and Ohio with five brothers and four sisters.

In 1940 J.B. enlisted in the US Army. He served his country in the 7th Army and was part of the D-Day invasion of Normandy and in the 1st Armored Division, 25th Combat Engineers. He was first stationed in Iceland where he helped build the air landing strips. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was honorably discharged from the Army as a Master Sergeant after serving 20 years and retired in Augusta, GA. Along the way he served two tours of duty in post-war Germany, in the 1st Armored Division and the 5th Engineer, 2nd Battalion. J.B. was awarded the EAME Theater Ribbon w/2 Bronze Stars, American Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Ribbon. J.B. was the oldest member of the Golden Age Sunday School Class at Silvercrest Baptist Church.

J.B. married Mattie Lee Lane (Orr) in 1951. He is survived by his son: Jay Bradford Collett, stepson: David Orr and wife Sylvia, stepdaughter: Martha Orr. brothers: Chester Collett and Joseph Collett, sister: Crystal Collett.


Funeral services will be held Monday, June 13, 2011 at 11:30 A.M. in the chapel of Thomas Poteet and Son Funeral Directors with Rev. John Kilpatrick officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Silvercrest Baptist Church, 3431 Peach Orchard Road, Augusta, GA 30906-5168.

The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 7:00 until 9:00 P.M. at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com