Rev. Robert Combs

Rev. Robert Lewis Combs, 84, of East Ridge, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, Aug. 25, 2014, surrounded by his family and loving wife. He was a lifelong resident of the Chattanooga area and a member of Gospel Way Baptist Church. Robert was a devoted Christian and served as the Pastor at Jones Memorial Baptist Church and Interim Pastor at Hughes Avenue Baptist Church. He retired from the Hormel Meat Co. after 30 years and was a loving husband, father, grandfather and brother who enjoyed singing to all of his children. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd N. and Mary Evelyn Carden Combs; sisters, Mary "Boots" Porter and Helen Hodge; and brother, Johnny Walker Combs. He is survived by his wife, of 63 years, Shirley Combs; daughters, Sandra Gail Combs (Tony) Schefano, of Harrison, Patricia (Dave) Sifritt, of Henderson, Nev., Shirley Faye Combs (Jerry) Dean, of Rossville and Mary Ester Cothran, of East Ridge; sister, Sarah Blont, of Daytona, Fla.; brothers, J.C. Combs, of Chattanooga, Charles Combs, of Ringgold and Jack Combs, of Trenton; seven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 29, 2014, at Gospel Way Baptist Church in Ringgold, with Rev. Lamar Dietz officiating. Interment will follow at Tyner Cemetery. The family will receive friends all day today and prior to leaving for the church on Friday. In lieu of flowers the family request memorial contributions be made to: First Tennessee Bank, East Ridge c/o Shirley Combs. Arrangements by W.L. Wilson & Sons Funeral Home, Fort Oglethorpe.