Jerry Wayne McCollum was born February 7, 1949 in Jackson, Mississippi to Jesse and Sybil McCollum. He leaves behind his wife of 39 years, Judy Holcomb McCollum; daughter, Jessica McCollum Craig; grandchildren, Rayna and Dominic Craig; and sister, Doris Wood. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Martha Branum.
He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. He served on the U.S.S. Harry E. Hubbard from 1966-1967 working as a fireman and on the ship’s machinery.
After leaving the U.S. Navy, he worked as a truck driver and also owned a gas station in Memphis for several years. He later followed in his father’s footsteps and began a career in auto body repair and painting, working in several dealerships in Memphis before finally going to work for Memphis Light Gas & Water on March 20, 1989, working in their transportation department until retirement on April 2, 2005.
After retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family, going to Waffle House and Bryant’s with his buddies for breakfast, and just enjoying the retired life. His grandkids were some of his favorite people. He never missed a ball game, dance show, school event, or church event. He referred to Rayna as his buddy and Dominic as his little buddy. He was so very proud of all their accomplishments.
The family will receive friends on Friday, February 5 from 1:00-2:00 PM, Services at 2:00 PM with interment to follow, all at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Road, Bartlett, Tennessee 38133.
The family ask that any memorials be made out to The American Kidney Fund https://www.kidneyfund.org/ or American Diabetes Association https://www.diabetes.org/.
