Robert Collier Jr., 53, a 1988 graduate of Abington High School and a resident of Ambler, passed away on Saturday, March 23, of cardiac arrest at Jefferson Abington Hospital.

Rev. Collier was a former associate minister at Galilee Baptist Church, as well as a lifelong singer, writer, and actor, his obituary in the Philadelphia Inquirer said.

He was ordained in 2017 and “used his melodious voice, distinctive cadence, and sizable vocabulary to deliver uplifting sermons at church and touching eulogies at funerals.” He also sang in a number of church choirs and was a member of “Grace, Mercy and Peace,” a musical group that entertained at social events, his obituary said.

Rev. Collier’s acting career included roles with the Adelphia Repertory Co. and other professional groups in the 1990s. He codirected and acted in a play he cowrote with his mother called “Philly Phamous” which was performed at Enon in 2023. In his memory, a performance of the play will be held on Saturday, April 13 at Bethlehem Baptist Church, The Inquirer wrote.

“He was energetic, engaging, kind, and gentle,” his mother said. “He loved his family and friends, and even strangers.”

Rev. Collier was born in Philadelphia and moved to Willow Grove with family when he was young. After graduating from Abington High School, he went on to study communications at Manor Junior College, Montgomery County Community College, and Millersville University.

His son Nahmir married Margo Thomas, and they lived in Cheltenham Township. They divorced later, and he moved to Ambler.

Visitation with the family will be held from 8:00am to 9:30am on Friday, April 5, at Zion Baptist Church, 3600 N. Broad St., Philadelphia. Following is to be a Masonic service at 9:30 and Christian service at 10:30.

Donations in his name may be made to the Optimist Club of Lower Montco, Box 1242, Fort Washington, Pa. 19034, the obituary said.

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Photo: Philadelphia Inquirer, courtesy of the family