Milton Byron McCollough

Milton Byron McCollough, a beloved husband, father, friend, and counselor to many, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 24, 2024, in Pittsboro, North Carolina.

He was born on September 26, 1933, in Houston, Texas to Byron Godfrey McCollough and Faye Corrine Pevoto McCollough, and was the younger brother of the late Celeste Faye McCollough Howard. He was preceded in death by his soulmate and loving wife, Beverly Gail McGary McCollough in June of 2023.

Milton was a graduate of Reagan High School, Baylor University, and South Texas College of Law.  Upon graduation from Baylor, Milton served in the U.S. Army from 1955-1957. He was a cheerleader in high school and in college, and while he gave up the yells and the acrobatics, he was a kind and patient cheerleader for all who knew him the rest of his life.

On February 15, 1958, Milton married Gail, also a Reagan High School and Baylor graduate. While they did not date in all those youthful years, even growing up in the same church, he began to court her when he returned from military service in Korea. The relationship developed quickly and before long they walked down the aisle at Baptist Temple, Houston. It was a beautiful choice! They settled in Houston to raise their family of three children, followed by retirement years in North Carolina.

He was an Attorney at Law for 47 years, beginning in 1961 as an Assistant District Attorney for Harris County, Texas, then associated with his father, Byron G. McCollough, in the law firm of McCollough & McCollough until 1987, followed by 21 years in solo practice. Milton was a good and faithful servant of God and God’s people. He grew up in Christian faith beginning at Baptist Temple. As a young father and husband, he helped form Covenant Baptist Church (Houston) with others who felt a call to respond to the social turmoil of the 1960s, by seeking to heal the divide between the sacred and the secular, and to honor the natural diversity and dignity of all God’s people. He continued this calling to service as a Deacon, Elder, Trustee, and youth Sunday school teacher, at St. Phillip Presbyterian Church (Houston) and as a member of Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church (Chapel Hill, NC) in his retirement years.

He spent countless hours volunteering as a mentor and reading tutor with his wife, Gail, at Sherwood Elementary School in Houston. He was an artisan woodworker. His family and friends have enjoyed many beautiful pieces of furniture and clocks he carefully designed and created in his garage woodshop. He was an avid student of history, a world traveler, a birdwatcher, and a sports enthusiast. Milton and Gail enjoyed the company of lifelong friends from college, church and the neighborhoods they loved. 

Milton is survived by his children, Catherine Gail McCollough (Reginald Tuck), Phillip Byron McCollough (Kelley McCollough), and Karen Kay McCollough (Ian Graham); four grandchildren, Monica Tuck (Stephen Shashy), Nadia Tuck (Andrew Muth), Katherine McCollough, and Gerald Friedrich; and three great grandchildren. 

A celebration of Milton’s life will be held at Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church in Chapel Hill, NC on November 16, 2024, at 2:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church, Habitat for Humanity, or any charity of your choice, in Milton’s memory. 

Milton’s legacy of kindness, dedication, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.

Condolences may be made at www.donaldsonfunerals.com.

Donaldson Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the McCollough family.