Kenneth D. Combs
CSM Kenneth D. Combs “Granddaddy”, 90, passed away recently.
While some know him as Pokey, Unc, Sarge, or KD, Ken’s favorite title was Granddaddy. The nickname was not limited to his immediate family—he was “Granddaddy” to half of Chattanooga. Friends, classmates, teammates, neighbors, and waitresses at Ankar’s would shout the name at the sight of his friendly smile and kind eyes.
No stranger to hard work, Ken proudly served in the U.S. Army and Tennessee National Guard from 1957-1994. In 1991, he served in Operation Desert Storm. He was promoted to Command Sergeant Major and received the Legion of Merit award for his service. After a full life’s work, he retired from DuPont in 1994. While his career was impressive, Ken’s proudest accomplishment was the strength of his family.
Ken’s reunion in heaven includes his wife Juanita Combs and his son Lamar Kenneth Combs; his siblings Oberia Austin, Evelyn Pace, J.E. Combs, and Roy Combs; and his parents Everett and Mae Combs.
Ken leaves many loved ones to cherish him and their time together, including his daughters: Barbara (Bill) Foster, Lisa Youngblood, Connie (Marty) Woody, and Tammy Combs; his grandchildren: Craig (Brandy) Youngblood, Denita Turner, Caylan (Mark) Bolstad, Wallace (Kelsey) Foster, Nolan (Nicole) Woody, Garrett (Ashley) Woody, Olivia Combs, Julia Combs, Anna Henderson, and Emma Henderson; and ten (and a half!) great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held at Hamilton Funeral Home on Monday, July 22, from 11 a.m. until funeral service time at 3 p.m. The committal service will be held at Hamilton Memorial Gardens Cemetery following the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Honoring the Sacrifice Foundation. P.O. Box 21806 Chattanooga, Tn. 37424 honoringthesacrifice.org.
Arrangements are entrusted to Hamilton Funeral Home, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, Tn. 37343, 423 531-3975.