Rev. W.D. McCollum Obituary

Rev. W.D. McCollum, age 93, passed away on September 27, 2024 in Adamsville, Tennessee. Born on May 28, 1931, in Chester County, TN, the son of the late Elmer (E.E.) and Odessa Maness McCollum.

He was united in marriage to Hermie Ree Plunk on December 22, 1950. Their lifelong partnership, which spanned over seven decades, was marked by unwavering devotion and companionship. Mrs. McCollum preceded him in death on March 3, 2024.

Starting his ministry at the age of 20, Rev. McCollum devoted his life to serving congregations across Beech Bluff, Jackson, Lexington, Ridgely, and Adamsville, TN. In 1977, he founded Christian Assembly Pentecostal Church in Adamsville, where he ministered until his retirement in 2012. For the last 12 years of his ministry, he had the distinguished role of Bishop.

Together with his wife, Sis. Hermie McCollum, they played a pivotal role in founding and supporting Lake Benson church camp in Bon Aqua, TN. They were known for their generosity, often cooking and feeding campers, with Rev. McCollum being especially renowned for his delicious rolls and chicken dressing.

An avid outdoorsman, Rev. McCollum cherished his time spent fishing, camping, and hunting, particularly enjoying "Black Friday" hunting trips with his sons and grandsons. He was committed to serving his community, having driven the school bus for Hardin County Schools for 17 years, where he positively impacted the lives of many children. During the summers, you could find him in Adamsville with an umbrella on the back of his truck and a load of watermelon selling them for mission trips. 

Rev. and Sister McCollum were rarely seen apart, embodying the roles of pastor and pastor’s wife with love and dedication to each other and the communities they served. Their relationship exemplified love, faith, resilience, and the beauty of family bonds.

He is survived by his son, Tommy McCollum and wife Carlene of Adamsville, TN; three grandchildren, Gary McCollum Jr. and wife Susan, BreeAnn Luna and husband Jonathan, Brandon McCollum and wife Jennifer; eight great-grandchildren, Tyler, Maguire, and Makenzie Luna, Conner McCollum, Karlee Hawks and husband Brandon, Madison McCollum, Cason and Hadley McCollum; a great-great-grandson, Jase Hawks; two sisters, Estelle Graves of Humboldt, TN, Wilma Sue Kitchen of Henderson, TN; and a host of extended family and friends.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Gary McCollum; grandson, Jason McCollum; and a sister, Evelyn Strong.

The honored pallbearers who will carry Rev. W.D. McCollum to his final resting place with reverence and respect are Gary McCollum, Jr., Brandon McCollum, Conner McCollum, Jonathan Luna, Tyler Luna, Maguire Luna, Cason McCollum and Jase Hawks. 

Rev. W. D. McCollum will be remembered for his profound impact on his family, his church community, and all those whose lives he touched.