Jeffery A. “Jeff” Combs, born May 17, 1949 in Dayton, Ohio, died Monday, Aug. 9, 2010.
He was the first of five sons born to Andy and Frankie Combs. He enjoyed the outdoors, horseback riding and camping out with the brothers he was so close to.
After attending the University of South Alabama, he served his country proudly in the U.S. Army from 1969-1971, which included a tour in Vietnam from 1970-71 where he was a helicopter door gunner. He also served in the National Guard from 1978-81. While in the Army he received the Bronze Star, the VietNam Cross of Gallantry, Army Commendation Medal, 36 Air Medals, Good Conduct Medal, Aircraft Crewman’s Wings, 2 VietNam Service Ribbons, and earned the expert badge in M16, M14, and grenade.
He was an athlete, and enjoyed all sports, especially tennis, and played competitively all of his adult life. He was a tennis pro at Point Clear Tennis Club, and taught hundreds of children and adults to love the sport. He modeled sportsmanship, honesty, and just the pure joy of the game. He still enjoyed camping, loved telling stories to his grandchildren, playing the harmonica, building Windsor chairs, studying and discussing the Bible, and spending time with his family, who will miss him more than words can say.
He will be lovingly remembered for his constant joy in the Lord, the sharing of his faith, his love of people, his ability to teach, and his excitement over the Lord’s return. “That ye sorrow not, even as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him.” - I Thessalonians 4: 13 and 14.
Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Susan Combs of Fairhope; daughter, Kelly (Brian) Chandler of Fairhope; son, Drew (Kayla) Combs of Fairhope; two grandchildren, Ella and Wil Chandler, both of Fairhope; mother, Frankie Combs of Fairhope; four brothers, Steve (Gayla) Combs of Lebanon, Tenn.; Tony (Karen) Combs of Theodore, Greg (Tinley) Combs of Daphne and Chris Combs of Mobile; beloved cousin, Pat Tinnell of Nashville, Tenn.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12 at Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Home, Fairhope. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 13 at Grace Fellowship Church, Fairhope. Interment will follow at Memory Gardens of Fairhope.
The family requests memorial donations be made to First Baptist Church of Fairhope Building Fund, 300 S. Section St., Fairhope, AL. www.fbcfairhope.org.
Arrangements are by Wolfe-Bayview Funeral Homes & Crematory Inc., Fairhope.
