Thomas Edward Combs, Jr.

Thomas Edward Combs, Jr., 91, passed away Sept. 7, 2018.

He was born in Judsonia, AK in 1927. His parents were traveling from Texas to Alabama at the time. His parents were Thomas and Clara Bullard Combs. He was affectionately called Pop by most of his family and friends.

He had his mother sign for him to enter the military at the young age of 16. This enabled him to join the Marines to fight in World War II. He attended his basic training at Parris Island, S.C. He was then sent to Camp Pendleton, CA. Before deployment he was called home due the death of his grandfather. He was then sent back to Camp Pendleton where he joined the Marine 1st Division as his unit had already shipped out.

The 1st Division was deployed to Okinawa, Japan on April 1, 1945. On June 1, 1945 he was wounded. He was recovered by a Sherman tank riding over him and pulled up through the escape hatch. He was flown out and shipped to a hospital in San Francisco, CA. He then traveled by train to a military hospital in Charleston, SC. where he remained for six months. He was then sent to Quantico, VA, until he was discharged in November 1946.

His family was unaware of most of this story until he was in his late 50s.

After discharge he graduated from Alabama Poly-technical Institute, now known as Auburn University. On April 1, 1949 he married a beautiful red head, June Wright, the love of his life. They were married for 55 plus years. He retired from Consolidated Freight-ways after 25 years.

He and June had one son, Thomas Edward Combs III (Rebecca), three grandchildren Michelle Hackett (Jason), Stacy Davis and Kelly Lindahl (Ed) and four great-grandchildren: Porter and Houston Hackett and Dylan and Mckenna Lindahl.

Jordan Funeral Home, Monticello, GA is in charge of his service. There will be a viewing on Monday, Sept. 10 between 5 and 7 p.m. at the funeral hom, 264 Hillsboro St. A grave side service will be at Forest Hills Memorial Gardens, 722 Conley Rd in Forest Park, Ga on Tuesday Sept. 11 at 11 a.m. Pastor Earl Randall will officiate.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Abbey Hospice, 215 Azalea Ct, Social Circle Ga., 30025.

Jordan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Visit its website at www.jordanfuneralhomemonticello.