Theron John McComber Jr.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Theron John (Ted) McComber, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle, who departed this life on Monday, June 30, at the age of 80. He passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones.

Ted McComber was born on July 13, 1944, in Port Arthur, Texas, to the late Marion (Odell) and Theron McComber. Following graduation from Thomas Jefferson High School, he worked many long hours at Abraham's Grocery to pay for his tuition while attending Lamar University. In 1966, he married Isla Abraham of Port Arthur, TX. Through hard work, dedication, and many sleepless nights, he graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration - Accounting. In 1967, he enlisted in the Army Reserves, completing his training at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri. He began his career as an accountant for the Lufkin Paper Mill, eventually becoming Mill Controller for Southland Paper, St. Regis, Champion, Donohue, and Abitibi Consolidated for over 30 years, where he was a highly respected leader and colleague for many. He was especially proud that six accountants under his leadership all went on to become Mill Controllers in plants throughout the country.

Through his well-known meticulous planning, he was able to retire at the age of 57 and began a life full of golf, hunting in Rocksprings, family trips to Crystal Beach, vacations to Puerto Rico, Aruba, Hawaii, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, and most important to him – spending time with his grandchildren. He would bring donuts to them every Sunday, and even included a kolache for his special "granddogs." He loved attending his grandchildren's special events including school plays, recitals, and especially baseball games. He had a love for cooking and never missed an opportunity to gather his family for a delicious meal.

He is survived by his wife, Julie McComber of Lufkin; children, Ted and Glenda McComber of North Richland Hills, Jennifer and Brian Powell of Lufkin, Missy Perry of Lufkin, Court and Brooke Perry of Lufkin, and Glenn Perry of Lufkin; grandchildren, Preslie and Joseph Gerland, Davis Powell, Adam McComber, Cason Perry, Paige Rawlinson, Jackson Powell, Andrew McComber, Cooper Perry, and Cam Perry; brothers and sisters, Bobby and Sherrill McComber, Monti and Dana McComber, Phyllis Schkade, and Kathleen and Keith Abel; and numerous nieces and nephews, affectionately known to them as "Uncle Teddy."

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Isla Abraham McComber; parents, Theron and Marion McComber; siblings, Billy McComber, Edris McBride, Ann Kendrick, and Keith McComber; and granddaughter, Anna Kay McComber.

A memorial service to celebrate Ted McComber's life will be held on Saturday, July 5, at 11:00, at Gipson Funeral Home in Lufkin, Texas. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the memorial service. All who knew him are welcome to attend and share in remembrance. A private interment will take place at a later date, in accordance with the family's wishes.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ted McComber's honor to the American Cancer Society, Hospice in the Pines, or Texas Children's Hospital.

Ted McComber will be deeply missed. He gave tremendously to others, and shied away from any recognition of his generosity. His love for life and his family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were privileged to know him.