Harrison "Jay" Combs Jr.

It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Harrison “Jay” Combs Jr. at his home on Sunday, March 19th, 2023. Born in Fort Wayne, IN on March 20, 1950, Jay was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Jay was a self-employed skilled carpenter the last 50 years. He was also previously employed at Phelps Dodge as a Shop Foreman for 10 years.

Jay assumed the role of family patriarch upon the passing of his father, Harrison Combs Sr. and was always there for his siblings. A man of few words, Jay had a quick, dry wit and took great pleasure in pranking everyone. He enjoyed fishing and IU basketball, carpentry and woodworking. He created many beautiful wood pieces as gifts for family and friends to enjoy. In his younger years he participated in the Tractor Pulling Circuit.

Surviving Jay is the love of his life and wife of 45 years, Kristina. They spent time each day sitting side by side and holding hands. They have quite the love story (that includes tacos) that made us all laugh every time we heard it; and we will always know how much they loved each other.

He was immensely proud of his children, daughter, Chantel (Mike) Smith-Gonzalez, and sons Harrison III (Jennifer) Combs, Clint (Melissa) and Curtis (Heather) Combs; grandchildren, Jayden Chester (his right hand man and fishing buddy), Maddie, Macie, Harrison IV Combs and Alex Smith-Gonzalez. They were the apple of his eye. Everyone will miss him greatly.

Also surviving are his sisters Connie Holden, Janet Hamilton, Darlene Burnside and Karen Rupert; brother Randy Combs and brother-in-law and friend Greg Rupert along with a host of nieces and nephews.

Along with his father he was also preceded in death by his mother, C. Marie Combs; and father-in-law, Ronnie Smitley.

Visitation for family and friends will be Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 1-4 pm at D.O. McComb & Sons Lakeside Park Funeral Home, 1140 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne. In honor of Jay, and keeping with how he was, dress code will be jeans and t-shirt and/or flannel (casual). A celebration of Jay's life will follow at Fort Wayne Turners, 3636 Parnell Avenue, Fort Wayne.