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BORN
1956
DIED
2013
FUNERAL HOME
William McCollum Obituary
Bill was born March 16, 1956, in Manchester, son of Carolyn (Kittle) McCollum of Manchester and the late William L. McCollum Sr., and had resided in Manchester and Andover before moving to Coventry in 1998. He was currently employed for 35 years as a machinist for Hamilton Sundstrand in Windsor Locks and was also employed at TSI Harley of Ellington. William "Wild Bill" McCollum Jr. was loved. He was loved by many friends and family. He was loved by his wife and children. He was a good son, husband, and father. He was a grandfather who absolutely loved his three grandchildren. They adored their "Grampy." Wild Bill would rather "push a Chevy than drive a Ford." He loved to let it rip on his Harley "Black Betty." Bill was always very giving. He did not know how to say no. He was a man with a huge heart that loved his family with every piece of it. William L. McCollum Jr. was loved and will be forever missed.
In addition to his wife, Mary Ellen, and mother Carolyn, he leaves a son, Richard McCollum and his wife, Nicole, of Niantic; a daughter, Angela Desmond and her husband, John, of Bristol; three grandchildren, Joseph Berlin, Caitlin Jones, and Cameron A. McCollum; a sister, Carolyn Lanagan and her husband, John, of Andover; and several nieces and nephews and their families.
Funeral services will be held Monday, Dec. 23, at 10 a.m., at Holmes Funeral Home, 400 Main St., Manchester, with burial to follow in East Cemetery, Manchester.
Visiting hours are Sunday, Dec. 22, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 2075 Silas Deane Highway, Suite 100, Rocky Hill, CT 06067.
To leave a message for his family, visit
www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William McCollum
Elaine S. McNeely
December 15, 2022
No matter how much time goes by, I'll always expect to see Bill drive up on his Harley flashing that huge smile!
RIP Wild Bill...you are missed
Paula Fabrizi Kiely
December 24, 2013
To the McCollum Family:
My sincerest condolences go out to you at this sad time. I knew Billy from Manchester High School and he hung around with us at the Parkade back in '74-'75. He had a '67 Camaro back then.
I remember Bill as a kind, happy, sincere person. Although I have not seen him in many, many years, I know that his soul will remain with you and all of us for eternity. He was that kind of a person, always willing to help out and give back.
May he rest in peace in the arms of the Lord, God Bless you Bill !!
Elaine McNeely
December 22, 2013
Maryel, Rich and Angela..a man's body may leave us but his soul will always, always remain and constantly remind you he is with you. His smile, his bright eyes, his big hugs, his love of family. I will always look for my ride on the back of Black Betty when we meet again Wild Bill...?
Melissa & Ed Pine
December 22, 2013
MaryEl, Angie & Richie, we are so very, very saddened. Losing Bill is well... just not fair. His heart was as big and as true as they come. I don't think I knew a nicer more welcoming soul. I will miss him. We all will. We love you Billy... I'm so sorry you were taken too soon. <3
December 22, 2013
Wild Bill, your voice has been silenced, but I still hear you. You'll always live on in our hearts and minds, because I still see you, and miss you. You had a way with words that I enjoyed, and a style like no other. One day, I hope we can ride together, side by side, and let it rip! You have been giving a new beginning. May the Angels of God protect you always in paradise! Until we meet again my friend, when I ride, I will think of you, and let her rip!~~~~~Markster
Scott Harrington
December 22, 2013
Rich,
I wish my words could help take some of the weight your heart is feeling, but I know they can't. Bill was an awesome guy, and you are as lucky to call him Dad, as he is to have called you son. He without doubt must be proud of all you have become. And as hard as it is to have to say good bye, I for one am saying a toast to Wild Bill for a life well lived!
Billy and the boys, he loved spending time with them : )
December 21, 2013
To my sister and her family, I'm so very sorry to hear about Billy's passing. He was a very loved and respected man. Always there for everyone when help was needed, even if just to lend an open ear. He will be very deeply missed and never forgotten. My sympathy and prayers are with all of you in this very sad time. All of my love, your sister Beth
Jack Hughes
December 21, 2013
So sorry to hear of the passing of Billy. Our families go back a long way and I will miss him! Please accept my condolences.
December 21, 2013
Boy will I miss saying "Hey get a haircut you Hippie" to my boy Billy! My deepest condolences and prayers go out to his family! He will be missed greatly at HS and in Life. RIDE ON BILL! sadly Ron Courtemenche
Jody Cairo
December 21, 2013
Feels like yesterday I saw you and talked to you in the aisle. I come to work and your not around, its quiet, I miss you.Condolences to Wild bill's family,Black betty and friends. Hamilton misses you and you will be forever loved!
Jana
December 21, 2013
Bill, you were the light of our dept... always happy to see everyone. We will sorely miss you at work.
Always, Jana
Paul Farrell
December 21, 2013
To Bill's Family, I am so sorry to hear of Bill's passing.... We drove to Hamilton daily for a few years in the late 70's. Lot's of fun to be around. I have plenty of good memories of my time around Bill.
Mike Bates
December 20, 2013
Good-bye to the hardest fish in the HSD fish club pond to catch, a one of a kind guy! My condolences to the family,Wild Bill will be missed by many here at HSD. Sincerely, Mike Bates.
December 20, 2013
Angie and Family, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in this very difficult time. God bless all of you. Tammie Ouellette.
Susan Paquette
December 20, 2013
For my loving sister,richie angie My heart is broken over the loss of billy and because I will never be able to mend yours !there are no words for the pain that has fallen on all of you ! I beg god to give you strength !I can only hope the love and support of my family to yours will bring some relief !You are not alone are hearts and souls are with you !! LOVE YOU !Sister sue and family !
December 20, 2013
First, my sincere condolences to "wild bills" family. I will miss his laugh and the sound of his voice calling me by his self created nickname as i walked by at work. May you rest in peace. You will be greatly missed!
David McCarthy
December 20, 2013
So sorry for your loss Mary and family. To my buddy, Wild Bill, we had a hell of a time and did a lot of fun stuff every time we were together. You will surely be missed. Hope to see you again when I get to Biker Heaven. Ride with the wind my friend. Red Man
Ken & Sandy Smith
December 20, 2013
We have been friends since Nathan Hale school and have seen you go from Bill to Wild Bill. You were my best man at our wedding. We will miss you greatly. We hope there will always be a Camaro where ever you go. Sandy and I give our hearts out to your family who will miss your zest for life
Kathleen Small Wilkie
December 20, 2013
Mary and family
I'm so sorry for your loss. Please know that I'm thinking of you and you're all in my thoughts and prayers at this time of sorrow.
December 20, 2013
hamilton is at a stand still........ Cheryl
December 20, 2013
the place is silent at hsd since you're passing. every thing is so quiet.
Michelle Bilodeau
December 20, 2013
Aunt Maryellen, Rich and Angie, I'm so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful loving man. It's been a while since I've seen all of you but I will never forget the kind man Bill was and the love you all shared for each other. My prayers are with you. Love you
Gary Boucher
December 20, 2013
My condolences to Wild Bill's family. He will surely be missed. May the love of family and friends helps to get you all through these sorrowful times.
Norma J Skeene
December 20, 2013
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of "WILD BILL". Praying that comfort and peace may come to you.
TONY
December 20, 2013
Buddy i will miss the great rides and all the fun in and out of work and you never let anything get in are way of a good time. Wild Bill i will thing of you each day and miss your laugh... later!! THE FAMILY MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES.
Holmes Funeral Home - Manchester
December 21, 2013
With deepest sympathy during your time of mourning.
Showing 1 - 26 of 26 results
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Memorial Events
for William McCollum
Dec
22
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home - Manchester400 Main Street, Manchester, CT 06040
Dec
23
Funeral service
10:00 a.m.
Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home - Manchester400 Main Street, Manchester, CT 06040
Funeral services provided by:
Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home - Manchester400 Main Street, Manchester, CT 06040
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