John McCollum

January 25, 1945 ~ January 24, 2024

John Robert McCollum (Robert) was born on January 25,1945 in Lumberton, North Carolina. He is the son of John Daniel McCollum and Maggie Haywood. He passed away at home on January 24, 2024 in Kingston. He was a long time resident of Newburgh, N.Y.

Robert was a basketball and track star in high school. Robert had been employed as a mess hall cook and bus boy at West Point, drove a tractor trailer and a school bus in North Carolina, was a ship yard supervisor at Eastern Casket, worked for Tarkelt, and was a part of both union 445, and local 17 throughout his lifetime. Robert attended his father's church, Aaron Baptist Church in North Carolina, where his father was the pastor.

Robert played pool at the local hole in the wall. He made many friends. Johnson Street was where all of the fond memories, cook outs, and gathering of neighborhood friends who became family to place. The hang out home. He enjoyed fishing down by the river and loved watching history channel. He played baseball for Corner Kings in Newburgh.

Robert loved all of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They meant the world to him.

Robert is predeceased by his wife Betty (McKay) McCollum.

Surviving Robert are his siblings, oldest to the youngest: Queen Davis of Poughkeepsie, NY, Nathaniel McCollum and wife Catherine, Ray McCollum, JoAnn Melvin, Lucille Davis and husband Larry, Peggy Hill and husband Russel, Lynetta Rogers and husband John. He is also survived by his children; Robert McCollum of Newburgh, Eric McCollum of Newburgh, Angenette McCollum (Mayo) of Kingston, Gloria Ann Brouck of  North Carolina, and Wade McKay.

Visitation will be held at The Cathedral at the House of Refuge, 131 Broadway, Newburgh on Wednesday, February 21 from 11 AM - 12 PM with a funeral service being held at 12 Noon.