Bill Combs

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL-William (Bill) S. Combs, 74, of Cookeville, passed away on Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at Standing Stone Care & Rehabilitation Center, in Monterey, Tennessee.

Bill was born in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Sept. 5, 1951, to June Combs Van Arsdale and Paul Van Arsdale of London, Kentucky.

Bill moved with the Combs family from Michigan to Rogers, Arkansas, where he was adopted and raised by loving grandparents, Julia and Bill Combs.

After attending John Brown University in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, Bill moved to Hopkinsville, Kentucky, to live and work. He attended Edgewood Baptist Church and became part of a young people’s ministry, sharing God’s love through music and drama.

Bill completed his college degree in broadcasting at Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky, in 1973. He later returned to Rogers, Arkansas, to live and work until moving to Cookeville, Tennessee, in 2001.

Bill attended and participated in the ministry of Aletheia Baptist Fellowship until he became homebound after a stroke. He loved his church family and especially his pastor and wife, Tim and Faith Adams, who would often transport him to and from church because of his disability.

When Bill became homebound, his family expanded to include wonderful, dedicated caregivers who loved him as he did each of them. Even though they always knew best, Bill would listen and then let them know things would be done his way, as Elvis would sing in the song “My Way.” Bill was a true fan of Elvis and his music.

Bill was also a fan of President Trump, the Tennessee Titans and old movies. A perfect gift for him would be a Trump or Titans item, an old movie or his favorite music album or CD.

Bill enjoyed listening to his books and the Bible being read to him on his computer. A perfect day for Bill would be to have a meal from Red Lobster or China Garden, listen to one of his books or favorite music, watch an old movie, be entertained by his caregiver’s small children, hold a kitten or pat a dog’s head. It didn’t take much to make Bill happy. Just to sit in his special chair was a treasure to him. He will be greatly missed by all.

Bill is survived by his sisters, Grace Combs Rennell and Janice Combs; brothers, Larry (Lilly) Potter, and Kevin (Janet) Schumacher, and a host of nieces, nephews and other family members. He is preceded in death by his mother, June Combs Potter Schumacher; his grandparents, Bill and Julia Combs; and his brother, Gene Potter.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 6, 2026, at 1 p.m. at Hooper, Huddleston, Horner Funeral Home, with Rev. Benny Roy Fields, officiating. Visitation will be held from noon until the time of service.

Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. Share memories and condolences at www.hhhfunerals.com.