RJ Collier son of Joyce and Jack Wilburn departed this life on July 28, 2024 at the UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville Virginia. He waged an epic 37 year battle with Cystic Fibrosis and double lung transplant successfully touching many lives and leaving a legacy of firsts in his fight.
One of the first of only a handful of patients nationally to be accepted for the trials of a new revolutionary CF drug “Tricafta”, he helped to prove the science and efficacy of the medication that is now extending life for those with chronic Cystic Fibrosis, and reversing the effects on those newly diagnosed, and saving lives.
One of the few to ever receive an early discharge after a double lung transplant, completely recovered without the need for oxygen nor breathing treatments of any kind.
The first to ever be accepted by the UVA Medical Intensive Care Unit for permanent placement, which lasted 7 months. Those months he received the finest, most competent, and most compassionate care, we have ever experienced. We will be eternally grateful for their steadfast kindness.
RJ is survived by his grandmother Rose Marie DeAlba Hopkins, his parents, his aunts and uncles; Chris and Anna Hopkins, Kevin and Sarah Hopkins, Anne Conner, and Victoria Minton. His cousins; Dee Dee Mathews, Gerry and Brittney Hopkins, Anne Mills Conner, and Davis Conner. His siblings; Amber and Nick Giampa, Jaclyn Ramsey, Wesley Collier and Frank Smith, and five beloved nieces; Ashton Ramsey, Olivia Ramsey, Joelle Giampa, Emerson Giampa, and Ava Smith. Although no brother was given by birth to RJ, he found one on his own and Jordan Soles filled those shoes from third grade to the end willingly.
RJ will be remembered for his joyful spirit, sense of humor, strength, and love for his family and friends. Despite his lifelong illness he was an avid sportsman playing football, baseball, and basketball during his school years. Later as an adult, he played league kickball with his dearest brotherhood of lifelong friends “The Ug Squad”, who never left his side.
Funeral services will be held at Zion United Methodist Church on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at 11 a.m. A viewing will be held one hour before the service, and interment will directly follow the service at the church.
