William "Bill" Terry Collum

William “Bill” Terry Collum, 88, passed away on September 1, 2026, at the Dorn VA Medical Center in Columbia, South Carolina. Born on October 23, 1937, in Wagener, South Carolina, he was the youngest son of the late Ezzie Toale and Lizzie Lee Brown Collum.

After graduating from Wagener High School in 1957, Bill served honorably in the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1962. Following his military service, he remained in Great Falls, Montana, for over two decades, working as a warehouse manager and raising his three daughters with his former spouse, Lana K. Nicholls (Furdell). His years out West were filled with memorable camping and fishing trips, sparking a lifelong passion for collecting—ranging from glass insulators and vintage railroad spikes to coins and stamps. 

Bill returned home to South Carolina in 1983, where he continued his career in warehouse management and lovingly restored his family’s homestead—the very home where he was born and lived out the remainder of his life. 

Known for his tireless work ethic, Bill was always quick to share a goofy pun. His favorite topic of discussion, after the weather of course, was his beloved USC Gamecocks women's basketball team. Behind his practical nature was a warm heart and a deep love for Hallmark Christmas movies, milk and cookies, which brought him endless comfort and entertainment in his final years. 

Bill was preceded in death by his siblings: E. Marion, Robert, P. Dorsey, and Mildred. 

He is survived by his three daughters: Paige (Mike) Smith, Whitney Collum, and Kristin Collum; as well as his five beloved grandchildren: Caleb, Devon, Kylee, Angel, and Danielle. 

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Bill’s life will be held at the family homestead on Collum Pond on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 11:00 AM. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s memory to Animal Advocates of Barnwell County in honor of his deep fondness for animals.