Robert Howard Combs, Sr.

Robert Howard Combs, Sr., 95, of Warner Robins, GA passed away, Friday, July 25, 2014. He was born December 24, 1918, in Lake City, Florida, the eldest son of Roe David and I'Dora Gilley Combs . He was preceded in death by his brothers Roy B. Combs and Jimmy M. Combs.

Prior to his Naval service during WWII he was married to Dorothy Barber. She bore him 2 children. She preceded him in death.

In 1946 he married his wife of nearly 50 years, Lois Christine Strock Combs. He met Lois, the love of his life, in Miami, Florida while driving for the bus company. She rode on his bus and offered to iron his shirts. Later they moved to Tampa where they lived for many years raising their children and centering their lives around their beloved church. He taught his children pride in their (partly) Native American Ancestry and many of his friends and family called him "Chief." Lois bore him 5 children and in 1994 she preceded him in death. He later married Lois' younger sister, Carolyn Strock.

Notably, he served his country with honor during WWII aboard the USS Oyster Bay APG-6 and was a diesel mechanic. During his service time he "boxed" for the Navy, representing the Pacific Fleet. He loved recounting his military experiences misty-eyed. He held this service sacred.

He was a champion bicyclist, titled weight lifter and amateur wrestler throughout his younger years.

During his years as an Electronics Technician, it was said, "he repaired one of the very first TVs ever owned in the city of Tampa." In 1976 he was requested to become the pastor of a small country church in Murrayville, Georgia. He accepted and served with faithfulness and integrity for several years. Upon retirement, he and Lois spent many happy years travelling to visit with other churches and to see and experience new places to include even the Arctic Circle.

He leaves behind 7 children: Robert H. Combs, Jr. (Joyce) of Murrayville, Ga.; Linda Finch (Richard) of Alpine, Ca.; Ronnie A. Combs (Fran) of Murrayville, Ga.; Roy A. Combs (Joan) of Hawkinsville, Ga.; Kenneth R. Combs of Murrayville, Ga.; Della Schmidt (Michael) of Paducah, Ky. and Melody Combs (Robert Foster) of Byron, Ga. His legacy includes: 19 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; 3 great, great grandchildren; 2 great, great, great grandchildren and the arrival of 1 new great grandchild to be born Wednesday, July 30th.

Funeral services will be held 1pm Tuesday, July 29 at The Church at War Hill on Dawsonville Hwy, Dawsonville with ministers Curtis Moose and Don Allen officiating.

Interment will follow at Yellow Creek Cemetery, Murrayville, Ga.

The family will receive friends from 6pm to 8pm on Monday, July 28 at Bannister Funeral Home in Dahlonega, Ga.

Banister Funeral Home of Dahlonega, GA is in charge of the arrangements.