William (Bill) Manke McCollum

A lifelong fisherman, William (Bill) Manke McCollum passed away March 1, 2026 at the age of 72. 

Bill is lovingly remembered and survived by his wife, Theresa (Terri) L. McCollum; his adult children, Jason W. McCollum, wife Mandy, Adam C. McCollum, wife Deidra, Andrea L. Aho, husband Evan; his stepchildren, Brandon E. Schreib, wife Dannette, Stephanie S. Hardin, husband Jason; and his children’s mother, Christine (Tina) S. Sardinia, husband Manny.  He was predeceased by his parents, Louis Robert and Mary Patricia (Manke) McCollum. Combined, Bill and his wife had 11 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Bill was born April 26, 1953 in Kennewick, WA. He often reminisced of his childhood running around Sharron Street with neighborhood friends and siblings Patty (McCollum) Becker, Bob McCollum, and Marilou (McCollum) Becker. He was a 1971 graduate of Kennewick High School, and regularly stayed in touch by attending reunions and monthly class breakfasts.

His favorite place to be was out in the wilderness fishing or hunting with close friends Tom Peterson and Clay Lewis. Bill regularly cast his line “somewhere out at the potholes” and enjoyed spending opening day fishing with his sons and grandsons, always with extra lures and poles to share. 

Bill proudly served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne Division based out of Fort Bragg, NC. As a Paratrooper, he logged 40+ jumps, completed Ranger School, and participated in Cold War exercises in Turkey. He served as Driver/Radio Operator providing security and tactical assistance to the Commander, 1st Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division. He was respected and admired by his peers and generals.

Bill began his civilian career with Worley Surveying and attended Columbia Basin College. He worked for Burlington Northern Railroad, the City of Kennewick as a Surveyor/Field Engineer, and retired as a Public Works Construction Inspector for the City of Federal Way before moving back home to Tri-Cities, WA.

A quiet but fervent supporter of his kids and grandkids, Bill always cheered them on at sporting events, concerts, school activities and celebrations. He always showed up for his kids, and in doing so, taught them how to show up for their loved ones. Bill loved his grandkids and they adored their Papa. He would wrap gifts in duct tape for a good laugh and somehow always made sure that Santa called the little ones on Christmas Eve.

Bill was generous with his time and resources, always ready to lend a helping hand and bringing extra tools for the project. Inspired by his favorite wood shop teacher, Mr. Mac, Bill loved building gifts for his family including rocking horses, baby doll furniture, holiday decor, and intricate birdhouses. He appreciated the beauty of nature, regularly sharing photos of wildlife or a pretty sunset.

Bill and his wife Terri enjoyed an active life of adventures; snorkeling and whale watching in Maui, kayaking, fishing, RV camping and travel, gardening, playing with their dog Violet, and spending quality family time.

Bill’s warm smile and easy laugh will be remembered by all who knew him. A celebration of Bill’s life will be held in early June.

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