Michael “Big Mike” Combs, age 59, was born on March 14, 1962, in Columbus, Ohio.
Mike was a proud graduate of Brookhaven High School and Columbus State University. He was a published author and frequently scribed motivational essays for friends and family. Mike epitomized perseverance throughout his life. He fought through many adverse conditions to reach goals; tackled road blocks with remarkable agility; and generously gave his time and resources to others. He never met a stranger and could draw the most reluctant personalities into his circle of love. He loved the martial arts and spent decades honing his skills through practice and competition. “Big Mike” as he was called by many, was not only big in stature, but in heart. He will be missed by family and friends. His robust laughter has been silenced, but our memories reverberate with the echo. He fought the good fight, he finished the race, he kept the faith.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents Robert C. Combs, Sr. and Georgia Logan Combs.
Mike leaves to love his memory brothers, Robert C. (Jennifer) Combs, Jr., Charles Patrick, and Thaddeaus Patrick; sister, Frankie (Jay) Combs Young; aunts, Frankie Carolina and Cheryl Logan; and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Services will be private.
My Thoughts and prayers goes out to the combs family, may the peace of God rest upon you during these difficult times.
Big Mike was a special man with a Big Heart! He loved his family and friends. He will be missed. My prayers go out to the family on this untimely loss. Hugs and Kisses and stay close, soon tears will turn to smiles as you remember all the good times.
Mike and my father, George Powell, or Coach Powell, shared a special decades long friendship. Mike will be remembered for his enthusiasm, his laughter and his loyalty. You have gone from us way too soon Mike but we take solace in knowing that you lived a life of fullness and you gave of yourself to others. Rest well dear Mike.
My thoughts and prayers to Combs family. I never had the privilege of meeting Mr. Michael Combs, but I know of his strength, kindness of heart and the goodness of his soul from his family.
My Condolences to the Combs family. I have know Mike since 6th grade. You knew when Mike was around by his boisterous voice. Mike rest in peace.
Dana Harden-Freeman
After my father Coach Powell, became a member of Mike’s circle of love, it wasn’t long before my entire family joined. Mike lived by a code. He was always in pursuit of a goal, perfecting his arts, or being vulnerable trying something new. Mike strongly believed in getting good people together with other good people. Mike created rich lasting memories and will be missed. Condolences to the Combs family.
I always looked at Mike as a member of my family. He and my children Angela and George were real close and he had a lasting friendship with their father Big George Powell. I was always glad to see him. Respectfully. Charlotte Powell Rhea
TO THE COMBS FAMILY,
YOU ALL ARE IN MY PRAYERS. YOU ALL HAVE MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY. LOVE YOU ALL.
NICCY CHAPMAN AND FAMILY
How my friend will be missed, he was such a gentle and caring person. I will miss his deep intellect and ability to study and quickly learn as a student of the Martial Arts. He always stayed close as a friend and a fellow martial artist, and he will be greatly missed in this life.
To the Combs family and to Frankie, Jay and Carrillon, I join you all in prayer and ask that God will surround you with strength, comfort and peace during this transition. Sending hugs, Kimberly Derrickson
No more pain. No more discomfort. You are a new creature through Christ. Rest in peace. We love you. Thank you Lord for showing us through Michael, what love, loyalty, and friendship should be. Amen
So sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. My daughter & have been looking for him over the past few years. He was one of my husband’s, Scott Coleman, best friends. My condolences to the family. I would love to attend the viewing but I respect the wishes of family’s private service. My sincere prayers to the family.
I send my condolences to the Combs family. I met Mike through my friend George Powell. I will always remember his words to me, “Johnnie, I love you, man.” Mike will be missed.