Russell Combs

Mr. Russell Combs, 85, of 233 Goins Road, Mount Airy, passed away Saturday afternoon, February 14, 2015, at his home. Mr. Combs was born December 22, 1929, in Carroll County, VA, one of ten children born to the late Troy and Reva Steelman Combs. Russell proudly served our country in the United States Army as a private first class during the Korean Conflict. He worked as a journeyman stonecutter and foreman at North Carolina Granite Corporation for 27 years and later retired from L.S. Starrett Company. Mr. Combs was a member of Oak Ridge Baptist Church, where he taught Sunday school for several years. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Banner Easter Combs of the home; two daughters and a son-in-law, Kathy and Robert Brintle of Dobson and Nova Dianne Combs of Mount Airy; a grandson, James Robert Brintle of Dobson; a granddaughter, Lauren Virginia Brintle of Dobson; three sisters and a brother-in-law, Irene Gwyn of Tobaccoville, Vada Jester of Mount Airy, and Viva and Pete Wilson of Greensboro; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Oscar and Sue Combs and Chester and Opalene Combs, all of Mount Airy; several nieces and nephews; and a special canine companion, Kinsey. In addition to his parents, Mr. Combs was preceded in death by four brothers, Thurman Combs, Allen Combs, Jordan Combs, and Melvin Combs. The funeral service will be held Thursday, February 19, 2015, at 11:00 AM at Oak Ridge Baptist Church, with the Rev. David Sechrist, the Rev. Oscar Hill, and the Rev. Ricky Easter officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery, with military honors by the VFW Memorial Honor Guard. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy, where his body will remain until carried to the church to lie-in-state 30 minutes before the funeral service. The family wishes to express their gratitude for the love and compassion shown by the staff at Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, especially Rosa Dozier, Ginger Marion, and Amy Snow. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mount Airy, NC 27030. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.