Dr. John Alex Collier, a beloved dentist, devoted husband, father, and respected member of the Pontotoc and Oxford, Mississippi, communities, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2026, at the age of 55 following a courageous battle with a rare and aggressive form of metastatic cancer.
Surrounded by his family, Dr. Collier faced his illness with courage, grace, and unwavering faith. His passing has left family, friends, patients, and community members mourning the loss of a man remembered for his compassion, dedication, and commitment to serving others.
Born on February 18, 1971, Dr. Collier built his life around faith, family, kindness, and service. For nearly three decades, he provided dental care to families throughout the Oxford-Lafayette community, serving patients through Collier Dental for 29 years and the Pontotoc community for 14 years.
Alongside his wife and professional partner, Dr. Larissa Hammer Collier, he helped create a dental practice known for making patients feel welcomed, respected, and cared for. His approach to dentistry extended beyond treatment, as many patients valued his warmth, encouragement, and ability to create lasting connections.
Dr. Collier was also deeply devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Larissa Hammer Collier, and his children, Alexandra “Ally” Collier, John Trenton “Trent” Collier, Luke Alexander Hammer, Jude Wayne Hammer, Lexi Jo Hammer, JannaMae Eve Collier, and Jeb Lincoln Collier. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Douglas Collier Jr. and Mae Lois Collier, along with his grandmother, Mildred Evelyn Collier.
Throughout his career and personal life, Dr. Collier was remembered as a mentor, generous employer, and faithful servant whose influence reached patients, colleagues, employees, neighbors, and friends. His kindness, humor, and encouragement made a lasting impact on the many people who had the opportunity to know him.
Visitation will take place on Friday, July 31, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at West Heights Baptist Church in Pontotoc, Mississippi. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., with burial afterward in the church cemetery.
As loved ones gather to honor his life, Dr. John Alex Collier’s memory will continue through the many lives he touched with his compassion, faith, generosity, and dedication to caring for others. The family and community continue to mourn his passing while celebrating the lasting legacy he leaves behind.
