Mark T. Collum

Sergeant First Class Mark T. Collum, United States Army, Retired, passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at East Georgia Regional Medical Center in Statesboro.

Mark was born on June 3, 1967, to Charles Collum and Debbie Holloway Collum. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, retiring as a Sergeant First Class after twenty years of dedicated service. During his distinguished military career, Mark served as a Drill Sergeant, Drill Sergeant Instructor, Jump Master, and Air Assault Chief Instructor. His honors and awards included the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, and Southwest Asia Service Medal.

Mark had a passion for riding motorcycles, a hobby he shared with his beloved wife. He served as Commander of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association in Chattanooga, Tennessee, for eight years. He especially cherished his role as “Pop Pop” to his granddaughter and will be remembered as an amazing husband and a wonderful friend.

He is survived by the love of his life of eighteen years, Melanie Collum; his sons, Jed Collum (Kevin) and William Collum (Janet); his brother, Andrew Collum (Sarah); his granddaughter, Violeta Collum; two nephews, Garet Collum (Katie) and Dylan Baker; and his nieces, Hailey Collum and Victoria Davidson. Also surviving are his three dogs, Darby, Cherokee, and Battle.

A funeral service will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026, at Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel, in Metter.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service.

Kennedy Funeral Homes, Hooks Chapel, of Metter is in charge of arrangements.