Thomas Hanson McCollum of Franklin died Saturday, November 4, 2023, after a long illness. He was born December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor Day, to Phil Bruce and Mildred Kinnebrew McCollum.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Nancy McCollum Holmes, Jean McCollum Sutton, and Joy McCollum and an infant brother. He is survived by brother Bob McCollum and his wife Elaine.

He was a graduate of Franklin High School and Southwestern Community College. After working for the Bank of Asheville for ten years, he was happy to return to Franklin to manage Brevard Federal Savings & Loan for many years until its merger. He then worked for the North Carolina Employment Security Commission in Franklin.

He was proud to have served three years in the US Army. He was a life member and past commander of American Legion Post 108 and a long-time member of the VFW/American Legion burial detail.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jean Phillips McCollum, and by his three children: Carol McCollum of Cary, David McCollum and wife Sharon of Potomac, MD, and Michael McCollum and wife Virginia of Morrisville. He was a proud Poppa Tom to his grandchildren, Alexander, Benjamin, and Nicholas.

Tommy was a lifelong member of Franklin Methodist Church, having been baptized when he was ten years old. He was active there for many years, continuing his devotion to his God and his Church. A long-time participant in the Church bazaar, he had many satisfied customers in the kitchen appliance section.

Tom should be remembered as a good man, kind and generous, patriotic, brave when facing pain, much-loved by his family and by his co-workers. He was a friend to many, often eagerly greeting long-ago acquaintances as if he had seen them only yesterday. He also considered his caretakers at Macon Valley to be his friends. and they valued his friendship.

Services will be held at 2:00 on Thursday, November 9, at Franklin United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at the Church beginning at 12:30. Officiating will be Rev. David Beam, Rev. Vic Greene, and Rev. Janet Greene. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery with military honors by VFW Post 7339 and American Legion Post 108.

Memorial donations may be made to the Veterans Memorial of Macon Co. c/o David Henderson, 2871 River Rd., Franklin, NC 28734 or to a charity of one's choice.

Macon Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.