Obituary of William White Combow

Bill Combow, age 87, passed away on May 2, 2012 at Hartsville Convalescent Home in Hartsville TN. Mr. Combow was a long time resident of Belfast, VA. He was a retired Engineer, World War II Veteran and POW. He was awarded the Purple Heart and several other distinguished citations. He is preceded in death by his father William Combow, mother Claire Graham White Combow, one brother A.G. Combow, all from the Belfast community and one sister Alma Geraldine (Marvin) Tabor of Bristol, VA and the childrens' mother. Mr. Combow is survived by 7 children: Patricia (Larry) McReynolds of Bluefield WV, Beverly (Russell) Ansley of Port St. Lucie FL, Debbie (John) Woodroof of Lebanon TN, William White (Norma) Combow VII of White House TN, Edward Combow of Nashville TN, Joseph (Cheri) Combow of High Point NC, and Shawn Combow of Roanoke VA; 9 grandchildren: Chris McReynolds, Stephanie (Chris) Harman, Levi (Amber) Woodroof, Emiley (Brian) Friel, Matthew (Nicole) Tate, Paulina Combow, Portia Combow, Colton Combow, and Cameron Combow; and 7 great-grandchildren. He was a long-time active member of the VFW in Lebanon, VA and Board member for the American Ex-POWs'. He was also an active member in the VA Administration and an active speaker for the Veterans in Congress. Mr. Combow retired at his childhood home of Belfast VA in 1980. He dedicated his retirement years to community service such as planning and building the new Lebanon High School and the Lebanon Public Library, both in Lebanon, VA. The family will be receiving friends at Sellars Funeral Home in Lebanon TN from 4-8 p.m. on Friday, May 4, 2012. The body will then be moved to Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, VA. Visitation is from 5-9 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home. The service, conducted by Pastor Rick Blevins, is 1 p.m. Monday, May 7, 2012 at the Green Valley Baptist Church, Lebanon VA with one hour of visitation prior to the service. Interment in Russell Memorial Gardens immediately following the service. Casey-Shortt VFW Post #9640 will conduct Military Graveside Rites. Pallbearers: Colton Combow, Levi Woodroof, Don McLaughflin, Bobby Damron, Eddie Conrad, Wayne "K" Miller, and Billy Reese. Honorary Pallbearers: Azilee Carter, Buford Mitchell, dear friend Jo Cleek, and the staff at Hartsville Convalescent Home in Hartsville TN.