William M. "Bill" Combs, Jr.

Bill passed away peacefully May 20, 2020 in Reston, Virginia due to complications with COVID -19. He was born an only child, in Tulsa, Oklahoma to William Mattox and Avis Hood Combs January 6, 1935. He attended the University of Texas at Austin in the NROTC and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering. He was commissioned in the United States Navy as Ensign aboard the US Chandler DD17, and later as an Anti Submarine Warfare Officer patrolled the Sea of Japan. Bill began his corporate career with General Electric as a manager of export sales in Phoenix, Arizona. He then moved his new family to Sydney, Australia as he become general manager and director for Australian General Electric. After 3 years down under the family moved back to the states and over the years spent time in Connecticut, California, Maryland and Kansas as he held various executive positions with telecommunications firms.

He was an avid piano player and never missed a chance to play a jazzy version of an old favorite for friends. Bill loved to entertain and could always make you smile with one of his jokes or a magic trick. He traveled throughout his life and was happiest if on the beach or by a pool with friends and family. He spent his early retirement days in Park City, Utah where he enjoyed skiing, tennis and Friday night happy hours with the hiking club! He spent his later years in Fort Worth, Texas where he reconnected with college buddies, cousins, and friends.

He is survived by his loving daughters, Terri Lynn Silveira (Ralph), Lori Allison Dorinson, and Cynthia Ann Brohoski (Peter), as well as his cherished grandchildren, Daniel, Michael, Drew, Alex, and Samantha. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.