Kenneth Ralph Mccollum

Kenneth McCollum

Kenneth Ralph McCollum of Maryville, Tenn., passed away on July 8, surrounded by his family. He was 86 years old. Born on Oct. 4, 1938, in Canton, Ga., Kenneth was raised in Atlanta and graduated from Georgia State University, where he met his wife, Kay. The couple were married for 64 years.

Kenneth is survived by his wife, Kay Parker McCollum, son Tim McCollum of Orlando, Fla., and son and daughter-in-law Kelly and Lynn McCollum of Demorest, Ga.

After retiring from a successful career as head of accounting policy for C&S Bank, Kenneth moved to Maryville. An avid hiker with a great love for nature, he hiked throughout the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, parts of the Appalachian Trail, and trails in Georgia and North Carolina. Kenneth also traveled throughout the southwestern U.S., including Arches National Park, the Grand Canyon, and the Rocky Mountains. He practiced tai chi regularly with friends in a class at the Blount Memorial Wellness Center. A voracious reader, Kenneth particularly enjoyed mystery novels and historical naval adventures. He was a fine photographer, as well.

Funeral services for Kenneth will be held on July 13 at Gwinnett Memorial Park in Lawrenceville, Ga.