John Maurice “Fargo” Collette

John Maurice “Fargo” Collette, age 80, of Trion, Georgia, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at his residence.

Born in Tallahassee, Florida, on March 12, 1945, Fargo was the son of the late Joseph Wesley “Joe” Collette, Sr. and Zalula Ruth Chamlee Collette. A longtime member of SonRise Community Church, he retired from the train yard at GE in Rome. Known throughout the community for his friendly nature and love of conversation, he served as a HAMM radio operator and active member of the Chattooga Amateur Radio Club and the CERT Team. He was also a devoted cat lover and affectionately regarded by many as the unofficial Wal-Mart greeter.

In addition to his parents, Fargo was preceded in death by his son, John Maurice Collette, Jr., and a grandson, Jordan Reynolds.

He is survived by his children and their spouses, Eisa Collette, Tina Collette, Brian and Savannah Collette, and Wess and Wendy Collette; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Jimmy and Teresa Collette, Joe and Jackie Collette, and Jody Collette; his sister and brother-in-law, Marsha and Steve Smithson; his grandchildren, Braxton Sanford, Lilly Keith, Tabitha and Kyle Lutz, and Emilie Collette; his great-grandson, Dex Cargle; his very special friend, Cierra Woods; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will cherish his memory.