William Edward McCollum

William E. "Bill" McCollum, age 98, of Johnson City, Tennessee, passed away on Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

Bill was the son of the late Mercer J McCollum and Anna Margaret Anderson McCollum.

Born in Pittsburg, California, Bill spent most of his early years in Limestone, Tennessee, where he attended Limestone Elementary School. He then attended two years of school at Washington College Academy. After moving to Church Hill, Tennessee in 1945, Bill graduated from Church Hill High School in the Fall of 1945.

Following his high school graduation, Bill was immediately called into military service for his country with the U.S. Army during World War II, where he served until, he was honorably discharged at the end of 1946. He attained the rank of Corporal and a Cadre Man in the Quartermaster Corps as a Drill Instructor.

After his military service for his country, Bill got a job working for his uncle as a "Candy Jobber", selling candies and notions to stores in Washington and Greene counties. Later, Bill attended Greer Shops in Chicago, Illinois, where he graduated as a Diesel Engine Rebuilder. After a short time working with a tractor company in Florida, Bill returned to Tennessee to work for the Kingsport Press, where he met his future wife, Nella, and also attained the position of Pressman.

William and Nella Ruth Hurd were married in June of 1950 at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Mount Carmel.

They both worked at the Kingsport Press until August 1967. Bill then accepted a job with the Government Printing Office in Washington, DC. Bill retired in 1987 as a Training Representative in the Offset Printing Division.

Bill was a member of Central Baptist Church in Johnson City, Tennessee, where he served as Deacon, Assistant Church Treasurer, member of the Ambers Wilson Sunday School Class, and a member of the audio-visual and sound engineers for the church. Bill was a charter member of the Mended Hearts, Inc. Chapter 259, served on the executive board of the Johnson City Medical Center Auxiliary, and was also a volunteer with the Tennessee Department of Human Resources, delivering food in Washington County.

Those preceding Bill in death include: his beloved wife, Nella McCollum; his brother, George McCollum; his niece, Roberta Lynn McCollum; and special friend and companion, Mary Ruth Jeffers.

Those remaining to cherish his memory include: his sister-in-law, Amanda McCollum; and several nieces and nephews and their families.

A visitation of family and friends is scheduled for 5:30pm till 6:00pm on Monday, October 19, 2026, in the Oak Hall at Morris-Baker Funeral Home. The funeral service for Bill will begin at 6:00pm immediately following the visitation.

The committal service will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Mountain Home National Cemetery, in the Historic Section. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery by 9:50am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the music ministry at Central Baptist Church.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com.

Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E Oakland Avenue Johnson City, Tennessee 37601, is honored to serve the family of William "Bill" McCollum. 423-282-1521.