Joe Pearson McCollum Jr.

Joe was born April 11, 1942, in Union County NC to Mary Bickett Bennett McCollum and Joe Pearson McCollum, Sr.

Joe graduated from Wingate High School in 1960. He graduated from Wake Forest University and received his J.D. degree from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1967. Joe was a member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. After service in the U. S. Marine Corp, he was associated with the law firm of White, Crumpler, and Pfefferkorn in Winston Salem. In 1976, Joe was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States. He served as president of the 20th Judicial Bar District Association. He returned to Monroe in 1971, when he was appointed Assistant Solicitor for the 20th Judicial District. In 1972, he established a private law firm on Jefferson Street, and continued to practice law in Monroe for almost fifty years. At the time of his death, Joe was a partner in the firm of Clark, Griffin and McCollum.

As an active member of the First Presbyterian Church, Joe served as Elder, and sang in the Chancel Choir. Joe also served as the Church Attorney, and devoted time to the Pastor Search Committee. He was a strong supporter of the community, serving on the Advisory Board for Hospice of Union County, and the Council on Aging. He was a member of the Monroe Civitan Club, and the Chamber of Commerce. Joe was a lifelong Democrat and served three terms as President of the Union County Young Democrats.

Joe delighted in spending time attending his grandson Pearson’s activities, and especially enjoyed time with family at Sunset Beach.

Joe is survived by his wife Nola McCollum, son John Bennett McCollum, daughter in law Crystal Trull McCollum, and a grandson Pearson Bennett McCollum of Monroe NC. He is also survived by a brother, Jim McCollum of Monroe, nephews Michael, Douglas and A. J. McCollum.

A service is planned with military honors. It will be held outside on the front lawn of the First Presbyterian Church in Monroe, NC on Friday, October 8, 2021 at 11 am.

The family requests that memorials be made to Hospice of Union County. McEwen Funeral Home of Monroe is honored to serve the family of Mr. McCollum.