Greer, South Carolina

Deacon Samuel "Sam" L. McCollum, husband of Ina "Penny" McCollum, son of the late Melvin and Doris L. McCollum, Jr., passed Friday, February 2, 2024.

Sam was a long-time coach and social studies teacher at Wade Hampton High School for over 30 years.  Their track and field facility was named after him, because he was such an inspiration to everyone.  Because of his obvious care for his students and being a respected teacher, friend and mentor, he was affectionately called "Coach" and "Sugar Bear" by many.  He taught them many life's lessons.  He truly was the face of Wade Hampton High School for many years.

Sam was also a religious man, faithfully attending his church Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church.  He served as a Deacon for over 40 years.  He was always willing to help whenever the church needed him.

Sam graduated from Florence Chapel High School, and after attending high school, he served his country.  He is a United States Army Veteran.

Sam loved to eat and if it was something he really enjoyed he would say "Mer-cy!"

Left to cherish fond and loving memories of Sam, including his wife Ina "Penny" for over 50 loving years; two sisters, Cynthia Irby of Boiling Springs, SC and Ellen (Victor) Polite of Dacula, GA; two nieces, Sierra and Brianna Irby; one great niece, Harlynn; two great nephews, Haiden and Titan; two aunts, Margaret Oakley of MO and Lucille Miller of SC; and a host of other family, brothers-in-law and friends.

Funeral service for Deacon McCollum will be Thursday, February 8, 2024, 1:00 PM at Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery.  Public viewing will take place on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, from 2:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Sullivan Bros. Mortuary.

The family would like to thank everyone who helped Sam and Penny these last few years.  Running errands, taking them to doctor appointments and just continuing to pray for them.  Thank you all so much!  The family!

Please keep the McCollum family in your prayers.

Please sign the guestbook and share a word of encouragement with the McCollum family.

The McCollum family is being cared for by Sullivan Bros. Mortuary Inc. and Cremation Centers of South Carolina.