Tom McCollister
Tom McCollister
December 26, 1952 — June 3, 2019
Pastor Tom McCollister, 66, of Kingsland, was called home on his favorite day of the week – the Lord’s Day – Sunday, June 3, 2019, while on his way to church. He was born on Dec. 26, 1952 to Leonard Thomas and Irene (Coats) McCollister in Seagraves, Texas. Tom married the love of his life, Pam Ammons, in August of 1973.
As a boy, Tom had always aspired to be a farmer and began fulfilling his dream when he and Pam were first married. He loved farming, but he began feeling his call to preach. This was a scary thing for them. Pam had no idea she had married a preacher! But they accepted the new challenge together and sold the farm. Their first pastorate was at Temple Baptist Church in Seagraves where they served for seven years. While pastoring in Seagraves, Tom also worked for the City of Seagraves as the Director of Water Works. Tom excelled at any task he put his mind too. Tom was able to use his unique abilities to advance the kingdom by serving the people of his church and community.
They later moved to Richland Springs, Texas where they pastored the First Baptist Church of Richland Springs for seven years. On the side, Tom also worked as an EMT for the San Saba County Emergency Medical Services as well as a School Bus driver for Richland Springs ISD.
Tom and Pam’s next pastoral appointment was at First Baptist Church Hawley in Hawley, Texas where they served for about two years. The next thirteen years were spent serving as pastor at First Baptist Church Liberty; Liberty Hill, Texas. They then moved to Waco for five years where they pastored at Timber Crest Baptist Church for a while and then Covenant Baptist Church. During this time, Tom also worked for Waco Transit, where he quickly was transitioned into a supervisor position. He was known for caring for his elderly and disabled passengers, even if it meant walking them to the door to help them safely reach their destinations.
In November of 2014, Tom and Pam decided to accept a new position at Buchanan West Baptist Church in Buchanan Dam. When they moved, Tom told Pam that this is where he would pastor until the Lord called him home. Since that time, the McCollisters have become a beloved part of the Buchanan Dam and Kingsland communities. Tom was a member of the Burnet-Llano Baptist Association and served on the finance committee and recently took on the role of moderator.
Tom did many things in his life…and did them well. He wasn’t one to do a job halfway. He was known to his family and friends as Mr. Fix-it. Whether over the phone or sitting next to you, Tom was always fixing something. His family remembers him fixing his sons dryer over the phone. It didn’t matter that he couldn’t see it, he still knew what to do.
Tom often jokingly claimed, “I can do anything except brain surgery…and I could do that if I had the tools.”
Tom was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. He loved his grandkids and cherished each moment teaching them; he poured into them the lessons his years of ministry and life had taught him.
Tom will be remembered for being a loving pastor and family man who was generous with his time and resources and graciously kind to those who wronged him. He truly had a pastor’s heart and loved people passionately. His legacy of compassion, dedication, and service to others will continue to shine in the many lives of those he impacted.
Tom will be forever missed by his beloved wife Pam McCollister of Kingsland, Texas; son, Jerrod McCollister and wife Sharon of Friendswood, Texas; son, Justin McCollister of Round Rock, Texas; grandchildren, Enik, Tyler, Hadley, Hagan, and Olivia McCollister; sister, Mary Garrett of Lubbock, Texas; brother, John McCollister and wife Carolyn of Sherman, Texas; brother, Jerry Rigby and wife Chico of St. Petersburg, Florida; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Irene McCollister; twin brother, Jim McCollister; sister, Bette Wilkinson; and niece, LeaAnne Garrett.
Viewing will be from 6 – 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, 2019, at Putnam Funeral Home, 145 Texas Ave, in Kingsland. Graveside service was held Thursday, June 6, 2019 at Bluffton Cemetery, in Bluffton, Texas. Celebration of Life following at Buchanan West Baptist Church. An online registry may be signed at Putnamcares.com.
Tom’s care entrusted to Putnam Funeral Home and Crematory, 145 Texas Avenue, Kingsland, Texas. 78639. (325) 388-0008.
