Collis Temple, Sr. Obiturary

Collis Benton Temple, Sr. was born in Greensburg, Louisiana on August 12, 1012, to the union of John and Ida Butler Temple who preceded him in death. three brothers; Herberts, Sr., Leon and Oscar and two sisters; Margaret and Alice, also preceded him in death.To the marriage of Collis, Sr. and Shirley Cross Temple Temple were born Shirley Collen, Benita Elaine, Sandra Janice, Valeria Antoinette, Brenda Joyce and Collis, Jr. 

Collis Sr. positively influenced his community throughout his lifetime as a husband, a father, and educator, a farmer, a political  leader and businessman. He was a pioneer, and activist and a visionary. He was an exemplar church member and a citizen who works to build and strengthen  institutions that uplift and improve the condition of his his people. He was a compassionate leader who expect3d the best of himself and others. HE commanded the respect of his peers. He love this family and friends. Above all, he loved the Lord.

During his lengthy illness, he continue the fight for this life until he surrender to God. He peacefully entered a new dimension of life at 8:30 a.m. on Friday, June 7, 1996. Mourning his death are his wife and six children; three sons-in-laws. Mrs. George Magee, Mr. Theodore Long, Jr., and Mr. Knox W. Tull, Jr.; one daughter-in-law, Mrs. Soundra J. Temple.; seventeen grandchildren; on grandson-in-law; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Mr. Fulton Temple; two uncle, Mr. Robert Temple and Mr. Walter Temple, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Affiliations:

Oak Grove A.M.E. Church, New Farmers of America, Phi Delta Kappa Educational Fraternity, Prince Hall Masons, Louisiana Education Association, National Education Association, School Principals' Association, Boy Scouts of America, (Silver Beaver). Southern University Alumni, Michigan State University Alumni, Regina Ceolia Headstart Council, Tangipahoa Parish and Louisiana Council of Aging, J.K. Haynes Educational  Foundation, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, NAACP.

Professional Accomplishments

Organized Rural War Production in Tangipahoa Parish during WWII, President Sixth District LEA; Founder-Organizer Tangipahoa Parish Training School Fair/Tri Fair; Lay Leader and National Board Member- African Methodist Episcopal Methodist Church; Political Candidate State Representative/State Senator; Participant with Mr. J. K. Haynes in Effort to Equalize Salaries for Louisiana Black Teachers; Co-Founder-Harmony Center, Inc., Co-Founder Southern Heights Residential Development; Business Entrepreneur.