Samuel Ponell Combs

Samuel Ponell Combs affectionately known as “Pops” was born on Thursday, April 8, 1937, to the late Robert L Combs and Edith Mae Whitsell -Lyles.

Sam accepted Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of Wesley Chapel CME Church where he served on the Trustee Board.

He was a graduate of Rosenwald High School where he was a trumpet player in the Rosenwald High School Tiger Band. After graduation, Sam enlisted in the United States Marine Corps serving honorably until his discharge. He retired from Birmingham Bolt Company.

On June 30, 1959, Samuel married Faye Cannon to whom he was married until her death. To this union six children were born. 

Later in life, in 2009, Sam remarried Helen Bailey. Sam and Helen were friends from high school. After marrying, they spent their time enjoying fishing, camping, traveling to visit family and friends, and venturing into taking cruises. Sam and Helen were also members of the Rosenwald School Reunion Committee. In addition to being an avid fisherman, Sam loved to stay busy with multiple activities and loved watching Western Cowboy movies and Judge Judy.

Samuel transitioned this life on Sunday, December 29,2024, at Baptist Health Deaconess Hospital in Madisonville, Kentucky with his family by his side.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Faye Combs; brothers, Leon Combs, Robert Combs, Jerry Combs, Perry Combs, Owen Garrett, Phillip Lyles and William Edward Liles; sisters, Vivian Young and Barbara Gaitors.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife Helen Combs; two sons, Gregory (Valerie) Combs, Louisville, KY and Terry Combs, Madisonville, KY; four daughters, Elaine (Keith) Aytch, Sacramento CA, Wanda (Ronnie) Nix, Nanci (Alvis) Wilson, and Georgia Combs all of Madisonville, KY; one sister, Karla Washington, Madisonville, KY; seven grandchildren, Dominic (Jessica) Combs, Samaria Johnson, Alvis (Mackenzie) Wilson Jr, Aleah Nix, Adrianne Wilson, Giavonna Combs, and Kijani Aytch; five great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends.