Charles Leonard Combee's Obituary
Charles Leonard Combee January 9, 1939 – January 26, 2026
Born in Lakeland, Florida, to Cecil and Thelma Combee, Leonard was the oldest of five children, three brothers, Wayne, Jesse, and Glenn, and one sister, Shirley.
As a child, Leonard grew up farming for his family, waking up early mornings to pick strawberries and milk dairy cows before going to school. He was known as the master of stringing pole beans.
Leonard was a fixture at Gapway Baptist Church from birth. His parents dedicated many years of service to the church. It was there he met his future wife, Ronnie, in 1957. They were married in 1961 and welcomed their only child, Deborah, in 1963. Camping trips and fishing outings filled the years with special memories, and there are countless stories of their adventures together as a young family.
Leonard started and owned a very successful body shop. It was a family affair, with Ronnie cleaning cars while Deborah did the taping. He took pride in making his repairs perfect, never leaving a detail undone, and always achieved his goal of making his customers happy.
Later in life, Leonard and Ronnie purchased Shady Oaks Mobile Home Park, which they owned and operated for 28 years. This was more than a business for them. Together, they mentored and helped many residents over the years, leaving a lasting impact that will continue for generations.
The next great adventure began with the birth of their four grandchildren: Ashton, Alysha, Amber, and Aaron. The grandkids often spent weekends at the park with Grandpa, riding on the back of his pickup truck, making milkshakes, and watching movies together. Somewhere along the way, he developed a deep love for a good surround-sound system and the latest, greatest, and largest TV. He gave away a lot of TVs, just ask his grandchildren. And don’t forget the trips to the vending machine for a cold Yoo-Hoo. Oh, and more fishing trips.
As his grandchildren grew up and started their own families, Leonard was blessed to become a great-grandfather to four great-grandchildren: Chase, Bryce, Norah, and Ashor. The activities changed a bit to lawn mower and golf cart rides and working in the garden. But of course, more fishing trips. Grandpa also loved to BBQ for his family, especially ribs. If you ever had his ribs, you know how good they were.
Leonard went to be in the presence of Jesus on January 26, 2026. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Ronnie Combee; his daughter, Deborah Sloan, and son-in-law, Stephen Sloan; his brothers, Wayne Combee and wife Becky, and Glenn Combee and wife Linda; his sister, Shirley Lester, and husband Jan; his grandchildren, Ashton Sloan and husband Noah Hills, Alysha Cone and husband Derek Cone, Amber Sloan and husband Steven Jackson, and Aaron Sloan; and his great-grandchildren, Chase Cone, Norah Hills, Bryce Cone, and Ashor Hills.
Visitation will be held at Gapway Baptist Church on January 30, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., with the service beginning at 11:00 a.m.
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