William Edwin Collum, Sr.

William Edwin Collum, Sr., 75, of Riegelwood, North Carolina, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, March 5, 2013. He passed away at his home with his family by his side. He was born in Southport, North Carolina on April 14, 1937 to the late Pearl and Beulah Collum, and was one of seven children.

He was an Air Force veteran of the Korean War, where he received the National Defense Service Medal. He was well known in Columbus County as the “heating and air man;” and was beloved by all who met him for his easy going spirit. Among those whom he considered his best friends and kept in touch with most, were his long-time customers and many minister friends.

Edwin was a faithful and lifelong member of the Delco Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church and served as a deacon for many years. He deeply loved and cared for his family, friends and church family. He loved welcoming ministers and their families in his home. He was a devoted and faithful Christian and taught his family strong Christian values. He loved the church and loved serving others. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend, and loved spending time with his family. He was very proud of his children and grandchildren. He will be sadly missed by all that knew and loved him.

Edwin is preceded in death by his loving wife of 54 years Mary Magdalene Collum ,his father, Pearl Collum and mother, Beulah Collum, four sisters, Virginia Hines, Linnie Parrillo ,Helen Lehnert ,Shirley Harker and one brother, Jesse Winfred Collum, Sr.

He is survived by two daughters; Deborah Miller (Wade), Gwendolyn Carter (Randy); one son William E. Collum, Jr. and one brother, Robert Leroy Collum (Teal). He is also survived by four grandchildren, Jonathan Carter (Rachel), Jena Carter, Kristen Carter, Gloria Miller-Luke (Rob) and many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to Dr. Brian M. Legere and staff, the Lower Cape Fear Hospice Nursing Staff and medical team, the Delco PFWB Church, and special friends and family who have supported him with prayers and love. The family would especially like to thank Barbara and Darryl Lennons for many years of dedicated devotion.

Visitation for family and friends will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, March 8, 2013 at the Delco Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church, 283 Kaiser Road, Delco, NC 28436. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the Delco Pentecostal Free Will Baptist Church with Reverends Don Sauls, Mike Owens, and Randy Carter officiating. Burial will be in the Delco Cemetery with military honors.

The staff of Coble Ward-Smith Funeral Services is honored to serve the family of William Edwin Collum, Sr.