Wade Hampton High School (G) Principal Dr. Carlos C. Grant shares a letter Feb. 2 after the passing of longtime track and field coach Samuel McCollum Feb. 2. The track and field facility is named after McCollum at the high school in Greenville. The funeral is scheduled for Feb. 8 at 1 p.m. at Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Lyman.
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The message from Dr. Grant
It is with a deep sorrow that I share the passing of Mr. Samuel McCollum. This morning, his niece, Ms. Marlo Grant, spoke with Ms. Sullivan. She shared the news that he passed away this morning. I had a chance to speak with her this afternoon. He was a teacher and football coach here for many, many years.
She spoke to highly about our school and his find memories of serving the students. She said he was a General through and through. One of his fondest memories was attending a ceremony during a football game here at Wade Hampton, approximately five years ago, where he was recognized for his service, and awarded a plaque. The WHHS Track and Field Facility is actually named after him in his honor.
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The obituary included, "Sam was a long-time coach and social studies teacher at Wade Hampton High School for over 30 years. Their track and field facility was named after him, because he was such an inspiration to everyone. Because of his obvious care for his students and being a respected teacher, friend and mentor, he was affectionately called "Coach" and "Sugar Bear" by many. He taught them many life's lessons. He truly was the face of Wade Hampton High School for many years."
Read the obituary here.
Coach Jim Hendricks (Wade Hampton) shared this memory of McCollum on social media, "Will everyone please say a Prayer for the McCollum family as Coach Sam McCollum has passed away after a long battle with his health! He coached at Wade Hampton for over 30 years. I was blessed to take his place back in 2005 and even all my years at Eastside he was always a Godly man who loved everyone!"