Karl Edward Coombes

Still thinking of Karl after all this time. Now that Dave Bar bin and Charlie McLamb are gone I am still thinking of those years at Ceader Forest.

I met Karl in Charlotte at Cedar Forest in around 1977 when I was 12 years old. I think of him often and thank him always for fostering my lifelong love of Tennis! So sad to see this note of his passing. I will carry his spirit for as long as I live.

I met Karl 40 years ago this year . He was the teaching pro at Cedar Forest Racquet Club in Charlotte NC and was hosting a tournament . I loved to watch him play there and at Olde Providence country Club also in Charlotte NC His athleticism in his tennis game was phenomenal to watch.
We have maintained a friendship
For these 40 years.
I was devastated as everyone else who knows and loves him
When he informed me of his diagnosis .
I miss his wit, charm, his love...

To Karl's family. In Charlotte NC, in 1973, 74, he was my coach and one of my best friends. I was divorced, no money, an avid tennis player. He gave my free lessons and had me work out with his High School tennis team at Olde Providence even though I was in my early thirties. I will never forget him placing me on center court for the experience of hitting over 45 overheads with a crowd cheering. What a gift to have known this man who challenged me to become better at the game I loved and...

I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Karl and the struggle he faced with ALS. I worked with Karl when he was coach for the Charlotte HEAT. Karl had a way to make everyone feel special and bring lots of laughter and smiles to us all. I feel blessed to have known him and call him my friend. My heart goes out to you Lea and his daughter Miriam and family.

I went to OCU and played on the tennis team with Karl for 2 of my 4 years. We were quite good friends and hitting partners. I tried to get in touch with him several times over the years, but was never able to find him after 1975. I thought about trying to contact him last night and then, this morning, I see that he has passed. Even though I haven't seen him in over 40 years, I am sad. I am sorry for his wife and daughter, whom I have never met. Karl had that effect on people. He was...