Rick McCollum

Rick McCollum, age 74, of Homosassa, Florida, passed away peacefully on May 16^th at home surrounded by the family he so deeply loved. Rick was a native Floridian and proceeded in death by his parents, Stewart and Wilma McCollum and sister, Marcia. Upon graduating from Cocoa Beach High School, Rick served his country honorably as a member of the United States Marine Corps. Upon completion of his military service, Rick began his career with Florida Power Corporation while attending college classes at night. Rick graduated with a Business degree from Florida Southern College and attended Graduate School at the University of Michigan. Rick spent 25-years with Florida Power Corporation serving as South Suncoast Division Manager. Rick was a firm believer in “service above self”, and had a strong passion for helping others and supporting the local community. First and foremost, Rick was a devout Rotarian and served as club president for both the St. Petersburg and Sugar Mill Woods Rotary Club. Rick also served on the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross, American Stage Company, St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce, Operation Par, and the Department of Children and Family Services.  He has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of CASA, Chairman of Junior Achievement, Chairman of the Children’s Dream Fund. He was elected the Director Emeritus of CASA and served on CASA’s Board of Trustees.  Rick was also a member of the Suncoasters, the producers of the Festival of States and served as Executive Director of the St. Petersburg Festival of States. Rick was also a graduate of Leadership Pinellas and Leadership Tampa Bay. Rick is survived by his wife Karen; children: Kristin and Philip McCollum; Daughter-in-Law Marissa McCollum; Grandson, Dylan Roosa; and Granddaughters: Jordan Roosa (Boynton Beach), Molly McCollum, Maryn McCollum, and Maggie McCollum of Clearwater. Rick was a loving husband and father, who will be dearly missed by all who were lucky to know him. A private ceremony will take place at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida at a later date.   Military Honors were rendered by V.F.W. Post 4337 of Inverness, FL. Cremation arrangements were under the direction of Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home With Crematory.