Gary Woodrow Combs

Gary Woodrow Combs, born on January 23, 1945, in Marlinton, West Virginia, was a man of many talents, passions, and dedication. He was the beloved son of Callie Alice McCarty and David Charles Combs. Gary passed away on October 29, 2024 in Lebanon, Oregon. In 1951, Gary and his family moved to Oregon, where he would make a lasting impact on his community and family.

On January 3, 1966, Gary married Sharon Ann Vertz in Vancouver, Washington. Their union was a testament to enduring love and partnership, lasting through the years filled with shared dreams and achievements.

A heavy equipment operator by trade, Gary founded and operated "Western Backhoe" in the 1970s. His entrepreneurial spirit didn't stop there; in the 1980s, he owned both an asphalt sealing business and a pole company. Gary's hard work and determination were evident in every endeavor he undertook.

Gary's love for the outdoors was a significant part of his life. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and mechanic work, and he relished spending time in the Detroit and Breitenbush areas, engaging in various outdoor activities. Family camping trips were a highlight for Gary, bringing together his loved ones in nature's embrace. Gary enjoyed spending summer evenings by the fire with his daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren sipping decaf coffee out of his 1980's brown and orange 7-11 coffee cup. He never went anywhere without his coffee cup.

Affectionately known as the "Pit Master," Gary was renowned for his skill in cooking up delicious meals of beef, pork, turkey, and fish in a ground pit. His culinary prowess was a centerpiece of 4th of July celebrations and family reunions, creating unforgettable moments of joy and togetherness.

In his later years, Gary embraced chicken farming, taking great pride in the eggs his chickens produced. He enjoyed taking his great grandsons on rides around the farm on his orange tractor. His dedication to his business and his animals reflected his hardworking nature and his love for simple, honest labor.

Gary is survived by his daughter, Tamera Denise Combs; his grandchildren, Neil Jackson, granddaughter in-law Jade Meithof, Briana Combs, grandson in-law Todd Totten, Jacob Combs, James Pelletier and grandson in-law Daniel Stephenson; and his great-grandchildren, Bella Jackson, Karsen Combs, Rowan Combs, Alifair Jackson, Reece Combs, Gavin Francis and Coral Francis. His legacy of love and dedication continues through them.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife Sharon, his son Brian Edward Combs, and his siblings Maynard "Jack" Combs, Dewey "Ted" Combs, Donald "Buck" Combs, Kenny Combs, Betty Kennedy, Joanne Marino, Dorothy "Dottie" Maniatis, Brenda Fuller, Rebecca "Alice" Price, and Linda Dixon.

Gary Woodrow Combs lived a life full of love, hard work, and joy. His memory will be forever cherished by all who knew and loved him.