Richard Henry McCollum II, age 91, of Southern Pines, NC passed away at his home on July 26, 2024. Richard was born in Youngstown, OH October 27, 1932 to Richard Henry McCollum and Thelma Fiehler McCollum. Dick graduated from Poland Seminary High School in 1953.
He continued his education at Youngstown State University and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. In 1956, he married Marilyn Whiteacre and together raised a family of four daughters in Medina, OH.
For nearly 50 years, Dick owned and operated his own company, Richard McCollum & Co. He was a manufacturer’s representative in the furniture and giftware industry. He loved to share all of his work experience and stories with family and friends, was a great story-teller and had a great sense of humor. When Dick wasn’t traveling for work, he was traveling to horse shows every weekend with his four girls. Dick enjoyed golf, gardening, reading, playing the drums, and following all Cleveland Sports Teams.
Dick retired and relocated to Pinehurst, NC in 1999 and soon thereafter, met Harriet Cognetta Russell. They met on the golf course and after 36 holes of golf decided they were a good match. They married in 2001. Harriet was his best groupie at his jazz trio gigs in the area.
Richard is survived by his wife, Harriet Cognetta McCollum; Sister, Barbara McCullough (Ray); daughters, Cynthia McCollum Clark (Robert Steven); Laura McCollum Doughty and Susan McCollum Jett. Grandsons Ryan and Davis Jett (Sara), Jackson and Griffin Doughty. Stepdaughter Clare Trow (Randolph), stepson Ian Russell and several nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Richard H. and Thelma McCollum and late daughter Patricia McCollum Higgins.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Cancer Care Fund, in Honor of Patti Higgins Endowment Fund. https://www.firsthealth.org/foundation-of-firsthealth/make-a-donation/
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home, Southern Pines.
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