Name: Demaine Funeral Home
Address: Alexandria, VA

I planned on speaking and saying the following during Saturday's service, but  the setting really wasn't appropriate.   The day was still perfect but still wanted to share my thoughts with you.  

Sean Coombs


It's fitting on the day the City of Alexandria celebrates its 264th birthday, we gathered today to celebrate 68 years of life of one of Alexandria's finest, William Clarence Coombs, W.C., Bill, Billy, Bill-Bill, my Dad.  

The  " unofficial" Mayor of Old Town, Dad was raised by his parents / my grandparents, Bill and Mae Coombs at 715 1/2 South Lee Street.   The boy, adolescent, young man,  and adult loved Old Town.   This was his home, his city, his comfort zone, his paradise.  

I always wondered why my Dad didn't long for some change in scenery, new surroundings, and unique travel destinations.  I pondered this question through my 20s and 30s, and it wasn't until I hit 40 that I finally got it.   He didn't need any place else; Old Town had it all - the city and its people made him happy and that's all he needed. 

I hate to be cliched but can't help but think of the television show, Cheers theme song, " Where Everybody Knows Your Name".  Old Town and its people knew my Dad.  I am sure you all have stories and anecdotes about Billy, and I hope you will share some of them today.  While your stories are varied and unique, I am sure they all have a common theme, " Billy had presence!"

He knew had to light up a room, entertain, and make you feel comfortable.  While standing all of 5 feet 4 inches, he was a giant in personality.  What he lacked in physical size, he more than made up in heart, character, and passion.  

Your stories may include the following Billy idiosyncrasies, trademarks, and Alexandria landmarks:
    Humming
    Sunglasses
    A pipe
    Dapper clothes - colorful, perfectly pressed with extra starch, fully cuffed trousers, and shoes with no socks
    Tennis
    Golf
    Hunting
    A cold Budweiser
    A tall ( not short) Rum and Coke
    A glass of Christian Brothers Brandy
    A Bloody Mary
    Shuman's Bakery
    Suburban Cleaners
    Burke and Herbert
    Kates
    Chadwicks
    Pellicanos
    The Warehouse
    Landini Brothers
    815 Southside

My Dad touched any people in his 68 years of life.  He definitely left his mark on me, my family, his wife Kathy, his friends, and his city- Old Town, Alexandria.  
Please embrace and cherish all of the memories you have of William Clarence Coombs, W.C., Bill, Billy, Bill-Bill, and my Dad.   He was one of a kind!


Sean
Sent from my iPad

Sent from my iPad

Billy Coombs,
What a GREAT friend for almost 50 years. He will be missed.
Lonny Marchant

I WENT TO GEORGE WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL
ALEXANDRIA, VA. WITH A BILLY COOMBS IN THE LATE 50S, EARLY 60S. WE WERE CLOSE
FRIENDS IN THOSE DAYS AND LIVED WHAT
IS CALLED OLD TOWN ALEXANDRIA. IF THIS
IS THE SAME BILLY I HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING, HAVING HEARD FROM HIM FOR A LONG TIME. VERY SAD TO HERE OF HIS PASSING.  TO HIS WIFE KATHY AND CHILDREN I AM SORRY FOR YOUR LOST.
GREAT PERSON.

Great slide show! Billy was quite a guy! I was always impressed about his natty dress!! We will miss him!
Lani and Bob
Old Town Crier

My condolences to the Coombs family, may you gain strength from God as you face the coming days with faith and courage.

To all the Coombs family, may you have comfort in healing from the journey your father is making.  He will always be a part of your heart.  Steve, Marilee Bagley and family

Billy, Billy, Billy...what a fine and fun gentleman, SCYC brother from the very early days when we had so much fun together, best friend to Kathy...and you always will be that. Be well, old friend, and have a rum and Coke waiting for us. Kathy, we all love you and send our very best to you, dear friend.

Billy was a deeply kind gentleman, always thoughtful and taking time to help other people.  He had a fantastic sense of humor and brought so much happiness and laughter to all, wherever he went.  Billy was a dear and treasured friend to so many, and I'm grateful to have been among them.   A beautiful soul has left us.  Our hearts will always remember him.

OBITUARY

William C. Coombs

Born 19 MARCH, 1945

Demaine Funeral Home

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