Charles "Charlie" Combs

Charles “Charlie” Combs, 84, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2026. Born January 19, 1942, in Eastern Kentucky, Charlie lived a life defined by hard work, adventure, family, and a deep appreciation for the simple pleasures of life.

After high school, Charlie proudly served in the United States Navy before being honorably discharged. He later moved to Nicholasville, Kentucky, where he built a successful contracting business and raised his family. His work took him across the country, and he took great pride in building a business through his own determination, hard work, and entrepreneurial spirit.

After retiring, Charlie traded the demands of business for the peace and freedom of farm life, purchasing a farm in Burkesville, Kentucky. There, he enjoyed some of his favorite things: farming, raising a big garden, caring for his animals, and spending countless hours hunting and fishing. He especially loved being on Dale Hollow Lake and traveled near and far in pursuit of a good fishing or hunting adventure. His beloved coon dogs were a special part of his life. He was also an avid University of Kentucky basketball fan and rarely missed a chance to cheer on the Cats.

While living in Burkesville, Charlie was a member of Grace Union Baptist Church.

In the past year, Charlie and Lorraine moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to be closer to their daughter and son-n-law.

Charlie was the devoted husband of Lorraine Adams Combs, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage. Together, they built a life filled with family, hard work, laughter, and countless memories.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lorraine; daughter, Cindy (Chad) Madison of South Carolina; son, Scott Combs of New York; grandson, Gavin (Victoria) Madison of South Carolina; and great-grandson, Nikolai Charles Madison. He is also survived by his sisters, Ann (John) Whitaker and Henrietta Seitz, along with numerous nieces and nephews and many dear friends.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Dicie Combs, and his brothers, Junior and Lonnie Combs.

Of all the things Charlie accomplished in his life, his family was his greatest source of pride and joy. He loved them fiercely. He cherished his wife, Lorraine, and loved his children and son-in-law deeply. And there was a particularly special place in his heart for his grandson, Gavin. Charlie treasured the time they spent together, whether they were talking, sharing stories, or simply enjoying each other's company. His great-grandson, Nikolai Charles, carried on a name that Charlie could be proud to see live on.

Charlie believed in getting up early, working hard, and playing hard—and he lived exactly that way. He was a man who knew how to work, but he also knew how to enjoy life: a day on the lake, a hunt with his dogs, tending his garden, watching Kentucky basketball, or simply being surrounded by the people he loved.

His life was full, his stories were many, and his love for his family was unmistakable. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Services

Visitation will be held Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Betts & West Funeral Home in Nicholasville, Kentucky. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m., with burial at Maple Grove Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be his nephews Doug Adams, Estill Adams, Jonathan Bowen, Darren Stamper, Mike Swanson, and Jonathan Whitaker.

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