Ruby Leigh Stafford McCollum

1958 - 2024

McCollum, Ruby Leigh Stafford

September 16, 1958 - December 30, 2023

Ruby Leigh Stafford McCollum, 65, of Madison passed away Saturday, December 30, 2023 at her home.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, January 5, 2024 at Smyrna Presbyterian Church in Reidsville with a visitation held one hour prior to the service, from 1 to 2 p.m.

Ruby was born September 16, 1958, in Sylvania, GA, to the late John Robert Stafford and Mildred Sutton Stafford. She was a graduate of Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA. Ruby worked as a mortgage loan officer and Vice President for Pinnacle Financial Partners.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Garland McCollum; daughter, Christa Elise McCollum and son-in-law, Christopher Janusz Buczynski; son, William Christian McCollum and daughter-in-law, Jada McCollum; brother, Mark N. Stafford; sisters, Gwen S. Norris, Gloria S. Anderson, Tonya S. Collins; sister-in-law, Illene C. Stafford; twelve nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Ruby is preceded in death by her brother, Craig R. Stafford.

Ruby was loved by everyone who met her. Ruby lived most of her adult life on the family farm in Madison, NC, but never lost her love for her childhood home in Newington, GA, and Tybee Beach in Savannah.

Ruby loved her family and the beach. She, her husband Garland married 42 years, and their children, Elise and Christian, 34 and 30, made up a loving, close-knit family.

Although Ruby spent most of her adult life on the family farm in Madison, NC, she always loved her childhood home of Newington, GA. Throughout her life she routinely visited her beloved siblings and parents in Georgia. Close to Savannah, she loved visiting Tybee Beach and went as often as a busy life would allow. After marrying her husband Garland, she made North Carolina the home where they would spend 42 years together. In those years she raised two wonderful children, Elise and Christian, who would bring a loved son-in-law and daughter-in-law, Christopher and Jade, into her home. Ruby was a mortgage banker for most of her professional life and was well regarded in the industry.

Ruby brought joy into the lives of all around her, especially her children. She could talk with anyone and was often the glue which held families and friends together. She was often their closest confidant and always knew what to do in the most difficult times. Whether it was comforting words, wisdom, or sound advice, she always knew the right thing to say.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com.

Fair Funeral Home