Samuel Combs

October 4, 1937 – August 11, 2025

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Samuel “Sam” Combs—our loving and devoted dad, pawpaw, and friend to all whose lives he touched. Sam passed peacefully in his home in Ravenna, Ohio, early Tuesday morning, at the age of 87.

Born on October 4, 1937, in Hazard, Kentucky, Sam was the son of the late John and Martha (Jones) Combs. Though he never earned a formal diploma, he was wise beyond compare. Through self-teaching and life experience, he developed a deep understanding of the world and a gift for sharing that wisdom with others.

As a young man, Sam worked as a mule skinner in the coal mines of Kentucky. Even before the age of 15, he proved himself skilled at handling the mules he groomed and cared for that carried coal up from the mine. Miners marveled at how the mules responded to him, obeying his every word. Sam attributed this to treating them with kindness and offering a gentle hand and a soft word.

When he later moved to Ohio in search of work, Sam found employment baling hay, working road crews, and eventually joining Chrysler Corporation. He retired from Chrysler as a crane operator at the age 62 to care for his ailing wife. Sam never shied away from hard work; instead, he embraced it, always grateful for the blessings God had given him.

In the past year, Sam faced the challenges of cancer with courage, grace, and unwavering faith, surrounded by the love of his family. A man devoted to God, Sam raised one son and two daughters, instilling in them the values of hard work, kindness, and steadfast faith. He was ordained as a deacon in 1979 at Blackhorse Baptist Church, where he served faithfully for many years, and later as a deacon at Summit Road Baptist Church. Through the years, he taught Sunday School, bible studies, filled the pulpit in the pastor’s absence, served on ordination boards, and participated in many baptisms. Whether leading a service, mowing the church lawn, or sweeping the sanctuary, Sam was always ready to serve.

Sam’s love for music was well-known, especially bluegrass and southern gospel. For many years, he sang bass alongside his daughters and grandson Andrew, creating treasured memories for both family and friends. He also loved to hunt and fish, spending many hours when he was young in the woods or on the lake.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen (Stacy) Combs; his parents, John and Martha Combs; and his brothers, Nicolas (Leona) Combs of Hazard, KY, and Boyd (Jeanette) Combs of Walton, FL.

Sam is survived by his sister, Myrtle (Willard) Brown, his son, Robert (Tina) Combs; daughters, Sharon (Lester) Eisenbarth and Sandra (John) Bennett; grandchildren, Robert Andrew (Melanie McQuaid) Combs, Stephanie (Ryan) Dye, Rory (Mary Hillegas) Johnston, Emmalee (Matthew Perison) Combs-Bennett, and Shaun Combs-Bennett; and great-grandchildren, Heleena, Eddie, and Kaurie Story; Andrew Jacob and Alexis Combs; and Wade and Paige Johnston.

Sam’s faith, music, and love for his family will remain a lasting inspiration to all who knew him. His kindness, humility, and steady presence will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Wood-Kortright-Borkoski Funeral Home, 703 East Main Street, Ravenna, OH 44266, where Funeral Services will take place on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 12:30 p.m., officiated by Pastor Murray Bay of Mantua Country Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Grandview Memorial Park Mausoleum, 5400 Lakewood Road, Ravenna, OH 44266. A luncheon will be held immediately after the graveside services at Blackhorse Baptist Church, 6360 Bridge Street, Ravenna, OH 44266, hosted by Pastor Tom Mesaros.

Condolences and memories can be shared at www.wood-kortright-borkoski.com