Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Hon. Frederick Harmon Combs II

About

University of Richmond

Frederick Combs Obituary

Hon. Frederick Harmon Combs II, born on March 22, 1946 in Hampton, Virginia, departed this life on August 7, 2005 from injuries sustained in a tractor accident. Raised in Grundy, Virginia, "Freddie" graduated from Grundy High School in 1964. Fred went on to graduate from the University of Richmond. In 1985, he was appointed Judge of the General District Court of the 29th Circuit of Virginia, including Tazewell, Russell, Buchanan, Dickenson, and formerly Bland County. He served as Judge of the General District Court for over 20 years, retiring from the Bench on June 30, 2005. Fred had been an exemplary Rotarian in the Rotary Club of Tazewell, Virginia since 1978. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Claude Horace "Rink" Combs and Marion Shelton Combs. He is survived by his wife of thirty-eight years, Elene Monk Combs; his children, Kelly Combs Necessary and husband, Andrew Neal Necessary of Tazewell, Virginia, Amy Carter Combs of Christiansburg, Virginia, Emily Reeves Combs of Richmond, Virginia, Eric Reynolds Combs and wife, LeighAnn Nelson Combs of Elliston, Virginia, and Mark Goodwin Combs of Tazewell, Virginia; and five grandchildren; his sisters, Carol Combs Irvin and husband, John Christopher Irvin and family of Richmond, Texas, and Martha Ellen Combs of Abingdon, Virginia; and by his neighbors, Donnie and Maggie Pruitt who live on the Combs farm. A Memorial Celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, August 9, 2005 at 3 p.m. at the Tazewell Presbyterian Church in Tazewell, Virginia, followed by a reception in his memory immediately following in the fellowship hall of the Main Street United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Four Seasons Wellness Center-Tazewell Community Hospital, The Historic Crab Orchard Museum or the Tazewell Presbyterian Church.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Aug. 8, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Combs

36 Entries

Justin Lynes

August 25, 2005

The last part of my trip to Tazewell was spent hanging out with Fred and Elene on their porch as he described what fun they would have at his upcoming retirement party. I'm very sad to hear about his untimely death. He was such a good man with such a great family.

Jack & Mary Ann Lynes

August 25, 2005

We just learned of the accident and were stunned. We were in Tazewell for Main Street and to visit our old town, and had a very nice visit. Fred and Elene offered to have us stay with them... such good friends... their home was the last stop before we left town. Then just weeks later Fred is gone. We are shocked and saddened. Our eldest son became a lawyer partly because of the positive influence of Fred. Our thoughts, prayers, sympathies, and affections are certainly with you at this time. We will see you again soon.

Alice Hedrick

August 15, 2005

I am so sorry to hear of this great loss. You both have always been so kind to me. I will miss him greatly. With my love to you-Alice.

Shelia Iron

August 15, 2005

Carol,

I am so sorry to hear of the tragic loss of your brother, Freddie. I saw him in Food City about 3-4 yrs ago and I said "Freddie Combs", he smiled at me and said "Shelia, I've outgrown Freddie". Well, he never did to me because he was that same quiet, cute boy I remember from years ago. He grew into such an honorable man.He will be sadly missed.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Bill & Trish Miller

August 14, 2005

Dear Mrs. Combs and family,

We thought so much of Freddie. He was such a wonderful man and we feel blessed to have known him. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with at this trying time. If there is anything that we can do, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Sincerely,

Bill & Trish Miller

Robyn Thurston Brewster

August 13, 2005

Dear Mrs. Combs and family,

I was so sorry to hear of Judge Combs' passing. He was such a wonderful man and I have only fond memories of him. I will never forget the kindness that he showed me one year when I went to Washington, D.C. with the TPC youth group. He will be greatly missed. My sympathy and prayers go out to you all at this very difficult time.

Wendolyn Thurston Forbes

August 13, 2005

Dear Mrs. Combs, Eric, Leighann and Mark,

I have memories of your family in Tazewell, Virginia (from Tazewell Presbyterian Church, Tazewell High School, etc.). Although we didn't socialize very often, I've always thought very highly of your family. All of my impressions of Mr. Combs were from a distance. In those brief encounters with him, he was always respectful, kind and gracious. He exuded a quiet dignity. I am saddened to hear of his passing and even more moved to hear of the circumstances. My sympathies are extended to you and your family at this time.

God bless.

Sincerely,

Wendolyn Thurston Forbes

Guillaume Derwa

August 12, 2005

Dear family,

I would like to express my feelings concerning this tragic event. My words will not bring him back but he surely needs to be remembered. I can not say I knew him very well but the year I spent with him for my exchange showed me how dedicated he was. He was a caring and responsible man and the flow of time will not alter our memory. May he rest in peace.

While he's going away, may we learn from him and go on in our life. Remembering his actions for ours is probably the best thing we can do.

I send all the warmth and love to the family.

Gui

Belgium Exchange Student

john quigley

August 11, 2005

iam deeply saddened to hear of the loss of judge combs.if there is anything i can do please do not hesitate to let me know

Robert R. Carter

August 10, 2005

Dear Mrs. Combs: Fred and I entered the the rookie class of the Judiciary together. While we only saw each other at the annual conferences, I had a great deal of respect for him and the way he carried himself. He was a wonderful person and he will be missed by his colleagues. My prayers will be with your family. With kindest regards. Judge Robert R. Carter

Janet Perkins

August 9, 2005

To the Combs Family,

You don't know me, and I was never privileged to know Judge Combs, but I am acquainted with the grief that you are experiencing at this time. In April, 2004, I lost my husband (who was 58 years old), son,(32 years old) and grandson (4 years old) in a matter of seconds in a farm tractor accident in front of my home. The shock and sorrow were great at the time. The shock is over, and the sorrow is still with me but to a lesser degree. I'm so sorry for your loss and can only say place your hurt in the mighty arms of God, who will give you comfort as He has me. You all are in my prayers. May God grant you comfort in knowing you can see your loved one again.

Sincerely,

Vicki (Asbury) DeBord

August 9, 2005

Carol and Martha:

I was saddened to read of Freddie's tragic accident. My memories of all of you go so far back to Grundy Baptist Church, school and "the neighborhood" up Slate Creek. My thoughts and prayers are with you both as well as Freddie's wife and family. We lost Mike to leukemia three years ago and I know you guys were close too.

BRUCE KUSHNER

August 9, 2005

I AM SADDENED TO HEAR OF THE COMB'S FAMILY LOSS. HAVING GONE TO COLLEGE AND LAW SCHOOL WITH FRED, I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO OBSERVE WHAT AN EXCEPTIONAL PERSON HE WAS-HUMBLE IN DEMEANOR AND KIND TO ALL.

Sanna Lampela

August 9, 2005

My deepest condolences to your family. Fred will greatly be missed by all of his exchange students all over the world. He took sooo good care of me and made me feel welcome and special both during my time over in Virginia and after my return to Finland. I will cherish the moments spent with him for the rest of my life. I was very lucky to know him.

Rhonda Hutchinson/McClanahan

August 9, 2005

Elene and Family,

I cannot begin to tell you the sadness that overcame me when I heard of Fred's tragic passing. He was an exceptional man, one that never forgot where he came from, or those he met. From the time he taught me at Grundy Jr. High School in 1969, until the last time I saw him a little over a year ago, he was the "Same ole Fred." He will be missed, but his memory will stay always in the minds of those who were priviledged to have known him. My prayers are with you all.

Andrea (Rose) Hopkins

August 9, 2005

To Elene and the kids:

I was sorry to hear about Fred's passing. I will always remember Fred from my time in Tazewell as a reporter. Fred was always nice to me when I covered things in his court and I enjoyed all the stories from visiting Rotarians from far away. I saw Fred a few years ago and he hadn't changed, still the same warm smile and boyish charm. The region is diminished by his loss. My sympathy to all of you,

Andrea

Joyce Kilgore, Esq.

August 8, 2005

I am truly saddened by the untimely passing of Judge Combs. I remember him with fondness and respect. He was patient and helpful with young lawyers starting out in his court, including me. I learned a great deal when I was in his courtroom. I am thankful that I was lucky enough to practice in front of him. My deepest condolences and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.

Karon Bennett Williams

August 8, 2005

Dear Family,

I had the joy of growing up with

your Husband and Father. We attended

the same church and school..As a teenager Freddie and I had parts in

a school play...He was my son in the play Our Town...I am sure many

laughed during the play as I was

5ft. 4 and Freddie was many many many inches taller...

My family will always remember that

when our mother died her home going

celebration was held on Christmas day when my sister called Freddie He said I would be honored to be there. I feel honored to have grown up with this dear man...I look forward to seeing him again when we get home to heaven.

You are in my prayers during this

time.

May the Lord's hand hold yours

as He walks through this time with you.

Love and Prayers

Kimberly Marion

August 8, 2005

Emily:

As tough as the upcoming days will continue to be, take comfort in knowing that all endings are beginnings. We just don't know it at the time. You are blessed with a wonderful family and good friends. My condolences to you all.

Love, Kim

John Glazebrook

August 8, 2005

I am saddened to hear about Fred's passing. He was a year ahead of me at the University of Richmond and was a fraternity brother. One of the kindest gentlemen I have ever known.

Pete Chaney

August 8, 2005

Elene and Family,

You and yours are in my thoughts and prayers. I have very fond memories of earlier days with Fred.

Cheryl Brunner

August 8, 2005

Dear Combs family:

I was deeply saddened today to hear that Judge Combs passed. He will be deeply missed by all of us who were privileged to appear before him. All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Cheryl K. Brunner, Esq. Of Counsel(Spotts,Fain PC)and Robert J. Brunner

Connie Roberts

August 8, 2005

Dear Combs Family,

Deepest sympathy and love are extended to you from the staff of Tazewell J & D R Court.

Connie Roberts, Clerk

Judge William D. Broadhurst

August 8, 2005

Judge Combs was, in carriage and integrity, the type of judge that we all wanted to be. I extend my deepest personal and professional sympathy.

Mary Virginia Harris Polonsky

August 8, 2005

Dear Carol and Martha,

I am so sorry to hear about the lose of your brother. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Combs family. I remember when we were in the Grundy Baptist Church choir together.

When I lost my sister, Margaret Ann, five years ago, I felt that I had lost my best friend. As each day has passed since then I know that she is in a far better place. God called her home at such a young age but the memories are so wonderful. I see so much of her in her children that she is not that far away.

Freddie is now with your Mom and Dad and all that have gone before because God had a special purpose for them.

Please accept my heartfelt sympathy during this time of sorrow.

Mary Virginia Harris Polonsky

Frederick Hodnett

August 8, 2005

Fred Combs has been a close friend since our college days at U of R. We have remained associated for years through our connection with the Virginia Judicial System. His loss is immeasurable. My sincerest condolences to Elene and the entire Combs family.

Connie Roberts

August 8, 2005

Dear Combs Family,

Deepest sympathy and love from the staff of Tazewell J & D R Court.

Thembie Sibanda

August 8, 2005

My condolences go to the Combs' family. Fred meant so much to me & all the other exchange students. he made coming to the US possible for us. I will always remember him.

Eleanor Bruce

August 8, 2005

Dear Emily,

I am so very sorry for the untimely loss of your father. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Love,

Eleanor

David Petty

August 8, 2005

To Elene and the family:

Words are inadequate to express my profound shock and sorrow when I received the tragic news about Fred. He and I served together on two state commissions and I always enjoyed our time together. We represented the "West of Richmond" part of the state and shared many great stories about the practice of law and courtroom experiences in our area.

I know it is a very difficult time now but let's remember the good things about his life while he was with us.

On behalf of Ellen and me,please accept our condolences and know that our thoughts are with you.

Dave Petty

Glenda Wein

August 8, 2005

As a friend and co-worker of Emily, I know how close your family is, and how very much she loves all of you. My heart goes out to each of you at this unbearably sad time; may the happy memories of all the good times shared help to ease your grief and give you peace. Glenda Wein

Krystal Broussard

August 8, 2005

Emily and her family,

You are in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry to hear about your loss.

--Krystal

William Endicott

August 8, 2005

I am a Magistrate for the Twenty-Ninth Judicial District as well as a graduate of GSHS Class of 1967. Words cannot express my sadness at his passing. He was always willing to take time for me every time I saw him.

Susan, Isaac, and Tess Wolford

August 8, 2005

Kelly and Family,

We wanted to take a moment to express our sympathy to you during this time. Judge Combs was a WONDERFUL man and will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched in so many ways. We will be thinking of each of you tomorrow and in the days to come. Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Should you need anything, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Love,

Susan, Isaac, and Tess

Susan Tracey Harwood Blalock

August 8, 2005

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Combs passing - He was a good kind man and will be missed by all - my deepest sympathy and prayers to his family.

Showing 1 - 36 of 36 results