Raymond Neil Combs, Sr.

Raymond Neil Combs, Sr., age 76, a lifelong resident of Hamilton, passed away at Ft. Hamilton Hospital on Monday, February 1, 2010. He was born in Hamilton on December 23, 1933 the son of Obal H. and Lillie E. (Hensley) Combs. Ray was a veteran of the Korean Conflict with the United States Air Force. He was employed as a supervisor at Champion Paper Company until he took a management position at Avon Products, Springdale, Ohio, where he was a member of the Founding Fathers. On March 7, 1953 he married the love of his life, Anita Jean Waters who preceded him in death in 2006.

Ray was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and offered housing to missionaries of the Mormon faith. He was an elected official of the Central Committee of the Butler County Republican Party and involved with the Boys and Girls Club of America. Ray was a very proud resident of Hamilton; active in community sports, including Babe Ruth baseball and basketball; and a member of Eagles Lodge #407. Ray was a very loving man who was known for his sense of humor, love of animals, and never met a stranger. His generosity and heart of gold will go unmatched.

He is survived by five children, Connie (Darren) Riggs of Columbus, Georgia, Steve Combs of Hamilton, Jeff Combs of Hamilton, Renee Combs of Trenton, and Toni Combs of Hamilton; one brother, Frank Combs of Florida; one sister, Alice Hartmann of West Chester; sixteen grandchildren, Kelly Flesher, Whitney Fragoso, Kirby Combs, Cody Combs, Chelsey Combs, Ray Combs III, Caitlyn Riggs, Brandon Riggs, Cassy Taggart, John Norris, Tori Kelch, Damon Kelch, Christy Combs, Erin Lawhun, Steve Combs Jr., and Jennifer Combs; eighteen great-grandchildren; and his two loving cats, that gave him great joy and happiness, Jr. and Panther. He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Raymond N. Combs Jr., the former host of Family Feud, in 1996; his grandson, Ryan Woolum in 1988; two brothers, Kenneth and Marvin Combs; and two sisters, Agnes Whitis and Shirley Simpson.

Visitation will be held at the Brown-Dawson Funeral Home, 1350 Millville Avenue, on Friday, February 5, 2010 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Funeral service will be held at the Brown-Dawson Funeral Home, 330 Pershing Avenue, on Saturday at 2:00 PM with Brother Ronnie Riggs of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the ICU staff at Ft. Hamilton Hospital; Dr. Richard Sternberg; devoted caregivers, Tina Perry and Donna Cassidy; and Elders Argyle, Smith and Lancaster, for all their care and support.