Willis Kirk Collier was the son of William Dee Collier and Rebecca Meade. He married first to Mary Ellen Adams on September 18, 1885, in Letcher County, KY. They had three children: Sadie (Collier) Bentley, Wilburn "Wibby" Collier and James Harrison Collier. After the death of his first wife, Willis married second to Elizabeth "Lizzie" Vanover on May 5, 1890, in Letcher County, KY. They had ten children: Delphia Jane Collier, Nettie (Collier) Bentley, Mazie Frances (Collier) Potter, Milton Collier, Florence (Collier) Hall, Ireland D. Collier, Carrie Collier, Ira Fields Collier, Howard M. Collier and Willie D. Collier.

According to Letcher County, KY, birth records, Willis was born on April 22, 1859. However, according to his obituaries, he was born on July 23, 1860, and according to his headstone he was born on July 23, 1859, and died on May 8. 1943.

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The following article was published in the May 4, 1944, issue of The Mountain Eagle:

Rev. W. K. Collier Dies In Neon

Many citizens of Neon and vicinity were shocked and saddened this week when they learned of the passing of Rev. W. K. Collier, Neon citizen.

Funeral services will be held at the Elizabeth Church on Millstone Creek, Friday, May 5th at 10 A.M.

Burial will take place in the family cemetery on Little Creek, above Neon.

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The obituary of Willis Kirk Collier as published in the May 25, 1944, issue of The Mountain Eagle:

Obituary of Willis K. Collier

On Wednesday in the month of May, 1944 the Death Angel came into the home of Willis K. Collier bearing him to the Home prepared for him in the Great Beyond. Uncle Willis was born on July 23, 1860, being 84 years, 9 months and 10 days old at the time of his passing. He was a fine Christian gentleman, living a good, devoted Christian life. For many years he had been a member of the Regular Baptist Church of Millstone, Ky. He was married to Elizabeth Collier who survives him. He is also survived by six sons and two daughters: Harrison, Ira and Howard of Neon; Milton and Willie of Millstone and Ireland of Ohio; Mrs. D. V. Bentley of Neon; and Mrs. Francis Potter of Fleming.

Funeral services were held at the residence on Millstone Thursday, May 4, 1944 with Elds. Newt Meade and Elbertson Bentley officiating. Burial in the Family Cemetery, Millstone, Craft Funeral Home in charge.