Mr. William Travis McCollum, Jr. of Decatur passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2009, at the age of 91. Mr. McCollum was born in Carbon Hill, AL, to William Travis McCollum, Sr. and Lula Collins McCollum. He was a graduate of Carbon Hill High School and Birmingham Southern College, where he received a B.A. degree. He served as a staff sergeant in the U. S. Army during World War II and continued to work with the military in the Civil Service until retirement. Mr. McCollum married Carrie Ellisor in 1943, and they moved to Decatur in 1946, where he continued to live until his death. After the death of his first wife, he married Ruby Henry in 1964. She passed away in 2004. Mr. McCollum was a lifetime member of the American Federation of Musicians. A talented violinist and bass player with big bands, small combos and his own combo from 1974 to 1992, he also performed as a soloist and was a composer. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Carolyn McCollum; nephew, James A. McCollum, Jr.; and niece, Melinda McCollum Sparks. A graveside memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, August 22nd, at Floral Hills Memory Gardens, Lawrenceville Hwy., Tucker, GA. A gathering of family and friends will be held in the Floral Hills Chapel of the Pines an hour prior to the service. The Reverend Glenn Ethridge of Oak Grove United Methodist Church, where Mr. McCollum was a member for over 50 years, will officiate. A. S. Turner & Sons
