Charles Edward Coombes III

Pepper was born on May 2, 1942, in Portland, Oregon. He was raised in Boulder City, Nevada, after his family moved there when he was in the second grade. He was part of the Boulder City High School Class of 1960, where he spent his time on the football field and basketball court, breaking records and making a name for himself.

He went on to attend Weber State College, where he found success on the bowling team. After college, Pepper lived in Newport Beach for a time before moving to Northern California. He settled in Mill Valley, California, where he owned and operated a lock shop in San Francisco for many years.

In 1974, Pepper, along with his brother and a friend, opened the Old Drugstore Tavern in Henderson, Nevada. He worked at the bar for about a year before deciding to make a bigger move and relocate to Tampa, Florida.

In Tampa, Pepper founded and operated Diversified Marine International. At one point, DMI shipped more grain out of the United States to developing countries than any other company. The business remains active and thriving to this day.

Pepper had a deep love for life that showed in many ways. He enjoyed classic cars, golf, bowling, ping pong, pool, boating, motorcycles—and of course, his trumpet and all of his other musical instruments.

One of the most important parts of Pepper’s life was the way he gave back. He sponsored many children to attend school in developing countries, especially in Haiti. He provided sports equipment for children and supported students in attending dance school in Boulder City. Much of his giving was done anonymously, so no one will ever know the full extent of his generosity. One of his most meaningful contributions was helping restore the historic Boulder Dam Hotel. He was instrumental in saving the hotel, reflecting his deep love for Boulder City and his commitment to preserving its history.

Pepper is survived by his reason for everything—his daughter, Jessica Riza Coombes. Jessica was his “why" and he was her Dear Ole Dad. He is also survived by his nieces, Adrienne Gonzales and Andrea Primo, and his nephews, Bill O’Leary and Michael O’Leary, along with their families.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jerry Coombes Sr.; his mother, Thelma Coombes Sullivan; his brother and best friend, Jerry Coombes Jr.; and his favorite sister, Colleen O’Leary.

He was our rock, and we will miss him more than words can say. He was the one and only Pepper Coombes.

Services will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at the LDS chapel on 5th Street in Boulder City. Viewing at 11am and service at 12noon. Interment will be at 2pm at the Boulder City Cemetery and we will celebrate his life at The Patio at 3 pm.