Kenneth Lee Collum, 75, passed away May 8 at Valley View Health and Rehab Center in Madison, after a battle with cancer.

He was born Dec. 8, 1940, in Itawamba County, Mississippi, to Andrew and Dora Blevins Collum. He accepted Christ as his Savior during a revival service at a young age. He was a 1959 graduate of Tremont High School. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1963 and entered basic training at Fort Polk, La. He later served in the U.S. Army Reserves until 1969. Following his service in the Reserves, he studied electrical work at Joe Wheeler State Trade School (now Northwest-Shoals Community College) in Muscle Shoals.

Kenneth worked for Western Auto in Red Bay and Mueller Brass in Fulton, Miss., before joining the crew at Sunshine Mills in Red Bay, where he was employed for 27 years. He retired from Sunshine Mills in 2004. Following his retirement, he lived most of the remainder of his life on his homestead in the Banner community in Itawamba County.

He was noted for his marksmanship while in the Army and enjoyed working with and shooting firearms and collecting knives throughout his life. He also enjoyed woodworking and gardening.

Services will be May 11 at 1:30 p.m. at Deaton Funeral Home Chapel, Red Bay, with Bro. Eddie Harlow officiating. Burial will be in Halltown Cemetery, Vina.

He is survived by four children, Kristal Riddle and husband Scott of Florence, Kevin Collum and wife Melinda of Huntsville, Jason Collum and wife Ashley of Tupelo and Jana Boyd and husband Sonny of Belgreen; seven grandchildren, Chelsea, Makala and Aaron Collum, all of Huntsville, Joshua and Lauren Collum, of Tupelo, and Lindley and Eli Boyd, of Belgreen; his former wife, Jimmie Lou Collum of Halltown; two brothers, Mike Collum and wife Debby and Robert Collum and wife Cathy of Banner; and five nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Terry Collum.

His children, granddaughter Chealsea and sons-in-law will serve as pallbearers.

Visitation will be May 10, 6-9 p.m., at Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay.