Saying goodbye to beloved WGAR radio host Chuck Collier

PARMA, Ohio - Family and friends came together to say their final goodbyes to Cleveland country music radio legend, Chuck Collier.

Calling hours for Collier were held on Sunday night in Parma.

The 64-year-old's voice on WGAR was unexpectedly silenced on Thursday. The legendary afternoon host and music director at 99.5 died following a massive heart attack.

He is survived by his wife and two children.

Collier's broadcasting career on the air spanned over three decades, which explains why there were so many flower arrangements sent from country music's biggest stars, including Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Ronnie Dunn (of Brooks & Dunn), Sunny Sweeney, along with a number of others and various record labels.

WGAR's website said, "Anyone who ever listened to or met Chuck knew instantly the kind and caring human being he was."

That's something WQMX morning show host Scott Wynn agreed with. He posted this on his Facebook page:

Sad day for all of us that were lucky enough to know Chuck Collier. I will miss him. Every single time I shook his hand and spent time with him, I knew I was in the presence of good.

Wynn's co-host, Sue Wilson, posted this message on her Facebook wall:

Words cannot express the sadness I feel, and I know so many friends and colleagues have expressed over the passing of Chuck Collier. He was a such a wonderful, gracious person. A gentleman, a pro. I was honored to have known him. He set the bar so high for all of us as a broadcaster. I just spent time with Chuck this past Saturday evening. My heart aches for Joni and his kids. Sending prayers of healing and peace for all who grieve this loss.

A private funeral service for Collier is set for Monday.

You can take a look back at Collier's career and life by clicking here: http://tinyurl.com/3oszgkq