Joe Morris Combs, of St. Simons Island, Ga., passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on Sept. 23, 2025.
Joe was born at home in Chesapeake, W.Va., to Ben and Bonnie Combs on Nov. 25, 1940. He graduated from Charleston High School, Charleston, W.Va., in 1958 and immediately enrolled at West Virginia Institute of Technology in Montgomery, W.Va. He graduated in June 1962 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering and went to work for the Hercules Powder Company in Blacksburg, making propellant in munitions used in the Vietnam War. In 1976, Joe transferred to the Hercules Plant in Brunswick, Ga., where he retired in 2002.
Joe was a self-described car nut and was passionate about tinkering on his cars, watching races, and debating the merits of Chevy versus Ford. He loved riding his Harleys, eating pizza and burgers with friends, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Bonnie Combs of Chesapeake, W.Va., and his wife, Linda W. Combs of Brunswick, Ga.
Joe is survived by his sister Judy Combs of Chesapeake, W.Va., his son Joe (Aimee) Combs II of Brunswick, Ga., son Jason (Kristin) Combs of Saint Augustine, Fla., and daughter Jeri (Kelly) Kendrick of Clermont, Fla. Joe is also survived by his grandchildren Mackenzie Baker-Smith of Los Angeles, Cali., Jamie (Natalie) Arkfeld of Black Mountain, N.C., Drew and Marina Combs of Saint Augustine, Fla., and Piper Kendrick of Clermont, Fla.
A celebration of life will be planned in the future for family and friends.
In memory of him, Joe would prefer that you do a burnout with your car or motorcycle.
