Billy Joe Combest
June 24, 1954 ~ October 31, 2022
Billy Joe Combest, 68, of Columbus, passed away Monday, October 31, 2022, at his home.
Billy Joe was born June 24, 1954 in Columbia, Kentucky, the son of William Paul and Wilma E. Burton Combest. On June 14, 1971, he married Barbara S. Gehlbach, who survives.
Billy Joe was an avid Purdue fan, and was known by everyone as a prankster. You knew he liked you when you caught him playing a prank on you. Billy Joe enjoyed going to the casino and horse racing. Always a wheeler and dealer, he was involved in several business ventures including owning race horses and the Fireworks Emporium. Most of all, Billy Joe loved his family. One of his favorite things to do was spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He loved them fiercely.
Billy Joe is survived by his wife Barbara; his children Tabetha Melissa (Brad) Little of Ft. Wayne, Toby M. (Heather) Combest and Travis M. (Brandy) Combest, both of Columbus; grandchildren Hunter, Sydney, Drake, Wyatt, and Annabelle Little, Courtney Lee, Bridget Davis, Kendall and Kameron Combest, as well as Leia Combest, Lucas Spurgeon, and Liam Spurgeon; great-grandchildren Emerson, Rianne, and Blakelynn Lee; a brother Jackie W. Combest of Columbus; and sisters Diane Shuffitt and Paula L. (Dale) Hayford both of Columbus, as well as Sheila (Mike) Bowling of Freetown.
He was preceded in death by his parents; as well as a sister Linda S. Barnsfather.
The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 3, 2022 at the Jewell – Rittman Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 2, 2022 and from 9:00 a.m. until time of the service Thursday. Burial will be at Garland Brook Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (7725 N. College Ave., Indianapolis, Indiana 46240).
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Known this man my whole life.. Sure am gonna miss you ” Old Hateful” and your pranks.. Say hello to my Mom and Connie for me.. Rest peacefully… Prayers for the family 🙏
Blue Caribbean Bouquet was purchased for the family of Billy Joe Combest.
Lit a candle in memory of Billy Joe Combest
Billy Joe Combest is the greatest person on earth. He did everything for anyone.Billy was friendly to everyone one. He’s going to be missed dearly. Rip Billy Joe Combest
So sad to hear of your passing on your Favorite Day. Halloween. I’ve know you my whole life and you have Always been such a great friend. Much love in Heaven dear friend.
R.I.P prayers for the family and friend going to miss seeing you out in the warm days
Nicole Burton
Billy stayed at our hotel twice with his group over the years. Such a kind, sweet soul. I was proud to call him my friend.
Lit a candle in memory of Billy Joe Combest
Sure will miss you Billy. Thank you for your friendship.
Lit a candle in memory of Billy Joe Combest
I will always remember Billy Jo as the skippo card shark and a dear soul that helped many many many people. Rest In Peace dear friend. Dee
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Strength & Solace Spray was purchased for the family of Billy Joe Combest.
Emerald Garden Basket was purchased for the family of Billy Joe Combest.
My husband David Tiede and I send our deepest sympathy to Billy Joe’s family. I have known and admired Billy Joe for over 30 years. May he Rest In Peace.
Love, Karen and Ernie Gehlbach purchased the Strength & Solace Spray for the family of Billy Joe Combest.
Beautiful Heart Bouquet was purchased for the family of Billy Joe Combest.
I remember when the shock staplers came out he wanted me to staple papers together at the firework shop. Not thinking anything of it I went to staple the papers and got shocked and Billy laughed so hard at me. He said did it hurt I said yes it sure did. My daughter done it sometime later at a young age and he asked her the same thing and she said it didn’t hurt so she is known as the it don’t hurt girl. She also worked for Billy at the firework shop.
Our deepest sympathy, Steve & Debi Young purchased the Emerald Garden Basket for the family of Billy Joe Combest.
Lit a candle in memory of Billy Joe Combest
You were a true angel sir. You will be missed! Glad I got the time to know you and had many adventures with you through working for you, you showing me magic tricks, and explaining your braille books to me. RIP xoxo
Lit a candle in memory of Billy Joe Combest
Sending love and hugs to Travis and Brandy!
Billy Jo use to say when someone says how are you doing he would say back I am fine and dandy just like a piece of candy. I will miss him saying that.
Billy was a great friend. He made me feel like I belonged where ever we were. He never met a stranger. An always had a joke to tell or a joke to play. His loving an caring heart made the world a brighter place. He will be truely missed. It’s not good bye but see ya later my friend.
Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of Billy Joe Combest.
Dreams From the Heart Bouquet was purchased for the family of Billy Joe Combest.
My deepest sympathies, may your memories bring you comfort. Wonderful person, he will sadly be missed by many. Tammy Foist
Billy Joe was a great cousin. He kept everyone laughing.. So full of life. We will miss him. God bless his family. Love, Judy Morris
Lit a candle in memory of Billy Joe Combest
Remembering when he and I went to Illinois for a wrestling tournament, and there were a couple of other wrestlers, with our school, and he looked up and said, “Coach Boyer is coming”. It was very unique how he could always tell when someone was coming even when they couldn’t be seen. Sure enough, a few minutes later, here came Coach Boyer. We were all eating candy. Coach Boyer started yelling. Lol… How heavy our hearts are as you’re going through this most difficult time. He definitely will be missed by everyone who knew him!! With much love, Ray and Sharon McMurray. 💔❤️💞
Lit a candle in memory of Billy Joe Combest
Billy Joe on my bike.
Billy was one of my best friends though the years and I will never forget him . Working at the carlot and fireworks store for many years was always fun and
Interesting. Lots of memories. Light a firework in memory of Billy !