Adrian Kent McCollum

Adrian Kent (AK) (Mac) McCollum, 81, of Salem, Va., died on Thursday, January 28, 2010, at his residence in Roanoke County. Born on April 21, 1928, in Roanoke, Va., AK was the son of the late Floyd (Mac) McCollum and Kate McDonald McCollum; and a brother of the late, Nancy Lee Rose. Mac is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Leslie McCollum; and children, Mathew, Brian and Patricia McCollum. Mac grew up in Roanoke City and Botetourt County then joined the United States Marine Corps in 1944, serving in the Pacific Theatre. After discharge from the Marines in 1945, he worked a variety of jobs until enrollment at Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI) where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Industrial Arts.
Early in his teaching career he enrolled at Radford University seeking a Masters Degree which he earned while teaching at James River and Lord Botetourt High Schools. Mac's teaching career began and ended in the Botetourt County School system with many enjoyable years spent as a teacher of Industrial Arts, Drafting, and Auto Shop at both James River and Lord Botetourt High Schools.
He also participated in the design and construction of Botetourt Vocational School, where he served many years as both a teacher and administrator. He also served as a night instructor and supervisor for six years at OIC in the old Victory Stadium.
His love of automobiles led him into the building of both custom and race (drag) cars which were dominant in the late 1950s and early 1960s at the "Roanoke Drag Strip" and other regional tracks. He also loved hunting, fishing, and spending many days in the Botetourt County woods as well as on the eastern shore.
The family wishes to thank the caring staff of Good Samaritan Hospice, especially Mary, Ashleigh and Jean, for their dedicated care. Donations to this fine organization in place of flowers is suggested.
A graveside service will be conducted 1 p.m. on Tuesday, February 2, 2010, in Sunset Cemetery, Christiansburg, Va. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, February 1, 2010, at Simpson Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road, 540-366-0707.