Lee Albert McCollum Sr.

69, went home to the Lord, in his hometown, Richmond, Va. on August 28, 2014. A longtime resident of Lummi Island, Wash., his burning desire and deep love of family drew him home, where a large circle of family, special friends and veterans supported him and his wife throughout his final days. Born in Lumberton, N.C., he was the first born child of six to the late Vester and Henrietta McCollum. Lee grew up in Church Hill, where he was a standout football player (#45) for the Armstrong High School Wildcats. After high school, he joined the Air Force where he began a legacy of military service within the family that continues until this day, representing the Army, Coast Guard, Air Force and Navy. Lee had a magnetic personality. This served him well as he traveled around the world in the military and met countless "friends" throughout his life. Truly, Lee never met a stranger and would strike up a conversation with anyone. He retired on the West coast with more than 35 years in the telephone industry. He was preceded in death by his son, Reginald Gladney. Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Thelma McCollum; three daughters, Janet McCollum Archer, Shelley McCollum, and Tammie Gladney; three sons, Lee McCollum Jr., Roger and Randle (Trish) Gladney. Close to his heart were 16 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren; three sisters, two brothers, five sisters-in-law, six brothers-in-law; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A celebration of Lee's life will be held at Joseph Jenkins Jr. Funeral Home, 2011 Grayland Ave., where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, September 3, 2014. Officiating will be his brother, Rev. Gary McCollum. Interment at Virginia Veterans Cemetery at Amelia. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Richmond Fisher House and Foundation (RichmondFisherHouse.org/ways-to-give). Online condolences can be made at www.jenkinsjr.com.