Harold Coombs

Charlotte.

Harold was born to the late Donald and Gertrude Florence (Davis) Coombs on December 9, 1920 in Summit, NJ. He was educated in the Summit NJ school system and upon graduation worked at the Picatinny Arsenal where he met his soon-to-be bride, Bernice Moorman. They were married on April 7, 1943 and were together until she passed in January, 2011. Harold enlisted in the US Marines in October 1942 and was honorably discharged in April 1946. He was a member of the Montford Point Marines; the first African American to serve in the US Marines. After returning to Summit, he worked at Ciba-Geigy where he held various positions and became their first Equal Employment Opportunity Manager. As a community activist, Mr. Coombs was at the forefront in getting affordable housing built in Summit for people with low and moderate incomes. Harold was a great person with a loving soul and brightened everyone's day that came in contact with him.

Harold is survived by his daughter, Patricia Batts and her husband George of Charlotte; his son, Harold E. Coombs of Summit, NJ; grandchildren, Darrell Batts and Phillips Batts of Charlotte and Harold E. Coombs III and Desiree Coombs of Union, NJ as well as a host of friends and relatives whose lives he touched during his wonderful journey on Earth.

Arrangements under the direction of McEwen Funeral Service-Pineville Chapel, Charlotte, NC.