David Lee Combs

Gibsonville -Mr. David Lee Combs, age 77, traded this earthly world for his heavenly home Thursday, January 18, 2018 at his home in Gibsonville, NC. The son of Worth Lee Combs and Elizabeth Johnson Combs, David was the second of six children. A native of Watauga County, he was born at home on November 18, 1940 and raised on his family farm in the beautiful mountains of Vilas, NC. This birthplace would hold David’s heart all of his days.

After graduating from Cove Creek High School, David moved to Forsyth County where he attended Winston-Salem Business School and found a niche working for Pepsi Cola Bottling Company. He would continue this career for 45 years, retiring in 2006. His opportunities with Pepsi were many, and though he always felt grateful for the career Pepsi offered him, those who knew him knew that the Pepsi Cola Company was the real winner to have David Combs tirelessly working on its behalf, serving in a multitude of managerial positions with integrity, uncommon dedication, and a commitment to mentoring his employees. Pepsi’s “4-letter word” adversary, whose name shall continue to remain unmentioned, could hardly get ahead with David at Pepsi’s helm. He was unapologetically devoted to this beverage and this company. Offering a Pepsi to friends and guests, chilling bottles of Pepsi for social gatherings, or leaving a case of Pepsi for a much-loved neighbor was part of who David was. It was one of his many ways of being generous, and it certainly brought smiles.

Shortly after starting work with Pepsi, David met the love of his life, Donna Finley. They wed on June 18, 1966, and began their nearly 52 year journey of marriage, residing in Greensboro, NC for 28 years before ultimately searching further east and spending the rest of their lives together on a lovely piece of land in Gibsonville. For this home, too, David was immensely grateful as he had ”neighbors in front, but woods sounds in the back”…. a bit of country home heaven.

In their early years of marriage, David served in the United States Army Reserves for six years. Also as newlyweds, and in addition to working their full-time jobs, David and Donna co-served as Youth Directors at Hickory Grove United Methodist Church in Greensboro, NC, loving and positively impacting the youth of their church. The stories of affirmation that they would later in life receive from these former youths were considered by David and Donna to be some of their richest rewards, validating the values that they held dear and by which they always tried to live. David, along with Donna, continued to serve in their church throughout their lives. Whether Vacation Bible School, building & grounds maintenance, installing a playground for the kids, cooking and cleaning for every Chicken BBQ or Brunswick Stew, no matter the occasion you could count on seeing David and Donna there until every chair was stacked, every counter wiped, every floor swept, every church member or visitor given a smile and an honest, affirming exchange of fellowship. David gave much time to his church, first to Hickory Grove United Methodist and later to Mt. Pleasant United Methodist of Greensboro, NC. David loved his neighbors in this same way, always on the watch to lend his time to yard maintenance or provide a friendly helping hand.

Several years into their marriage, David and Donna were overjoyed by the birth of their first daughter, Joy, and later by the arrival of their daughter, Jennifer. Sons- in-law, Darrel Cobb and Brandon Dillon were later added to his family and David’s circle of loved ones (of whom all he was proud) grew. Granddaughters Sophie, Jaden Adrienne and Kate were the apples of his eye.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Worth and Elizabeth Combs. Survivors include his wife, Donna; daughter, Joy Cobb and husband Darrell; daughter Jennifer Dillon and husband Brandon; granddaughters Sophie Cobb, Jaden Dillon, Adrienne Dillon and Kate Dillon; brother Howard Combs and wife Betty; sister Dorothy Gragg; brother Paul Combs and wife Polly; brother Kenneth Combs and wife Mary Ann, brother Bill Combs and wife Kathy; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank the Hospice Palliative Care team of Northeast Guilford County: Teresa Griffin, Dr. John Feldman, Sheri Jones, Beth Mills, Shannon Griffith, many dedicated nurses and Chaplain John Connor. We also wish to thank the members of the community whose many kindnesses and support have carried us through this difficult time.

David’s family also extends our appreciation to the medical staff at Wake Forest Baptist Health in Winston-Salem and Cone Hospital in Greensboro, NC. A special thanks is offered to Dr. Firas Shadad of Cone Health at Wesley Long Hospital for his care and kindness.

To God be the glory.

The Funeral service will held on Sunday, January 21 at 4:00 pm at Mount Pleasant United Methodist Church, 5120 Burlington Road, Greensboro NC. Family visitation will be held prior to the service starting at 2:30 pm.

Memorial gifts may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro at hospicegso.org, by phone at 336-621-2500, or by mail to 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405.

Online condolences may be made to haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com. Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel is serving the Combs family.