Howard Everette Combs

Howard Everette Combs, age 93, died on Sunday, July 24, 2011, surrounded by his family. He was a native of Clarendon, AR and a resident of Mobile, AL for more than 70 years. His parents were the late Eddie M. and Nannie M. Combs.

He was preceded in death by three brothers, Thomas M. Combs, Wesley D. Combs and Eddie M. Combs, Jr.; as well as one sister, Mattie Mae ("Pat") Van Meter.

Mr. Combs was a member of the Riverside Baptist Church, whose congregation he loved, and where he was ordained as a deacon more than 50 years ago. He was a World War II veteran, who enlisted in the U. S. Navy nine days following the attack on Pearl Harbor, and served the entire war in the Asiatic-Pacific theater, briefly in San Diego, and the remainder in Pearl Harbor, itself. As an experienced welder, he worked on all types of U.S. Navy warships and was discharged in December 1945, with the rank of Shipfitter First Class. Prior to his military service, he had worked for Dixon Welding, and returned there upon his military discharge. In 1960, Mr. Combs and his brother-in-law, "Jack" Daily, formed Combs & Daily Frame & Wheel Alignment, Inc.

Mr. Combs was a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and a former member of the Board of Directors of the Mobile Rescue Mission.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Bonnie Willie Combs, as well as his loving daughter, The Honorable Virginia M. Combs; and his son-in-law, The Honorable Stuart M. Foss. He leaves numerous cherished nieces and nephews, other relatives and many beloved friends.

Graveside services and interment will be held on Wednesday, July 27, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. in Mobile Memorial Gardens with full military honors rendered by the American Legion Post 250 Honor Guard. The immediate family will receive friends from 12 Noon until service time at Mobile Memorial Gardens Funeral Home.

Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com