Bobby Gene Rakes

Obituary: Kannapolis, NC Burl Edward Combs, age 67, of Kannapolis just went to Heaven on Thursday, March 24, 2011, after a long-term battle with heart disease, to see his Best buddy, Harold, and to ask him "How's that". His funeral service will begin at 3:00 PM Sunday, March 27 at Shadybrook Baptist Church with Rev. Rickey Oxford officiating. His body will lie in state starting at 2:00 PM and Burial will follow at Carolina Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at Whitley's Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00 PM Saturday, March 26, at other times they will be at the family home. Burl was born August 31, 1943 in Charleston WV, a son of the late Charles and Lucille Wilson Combs. A long-time area resident, Burl was employed with Ameristeel for 32 years, until he retired. He was a member of Shadybrook Baptist Church, having served there as a deacon. Burl enjoyed bowling with the Foxfire Seniors Bowling League and pitching horse-shoes with the Cabarrus Co. Ringer's League. He participated in the Senior Olympic Games and enjoyed fishing, golfing, camping and hunting. Burl was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be dearly missed. In addition to his parents, Burl was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Combs and his sister, Janice Rakes. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Loretta Combs of the family home and 2 daughters; Barbara Jean Irwin and husband, Tom of Concord and Michelle Lee Brown and husband, Rick of Concord and also 3 grandchildren, Lori and Tommy Irwin and Anthony Brown. Online condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com and memorial contributions can be made to Shadybrook Baptist Church 1009 Oakwood Ave. Kannapolis, NC 28081
Visitation: None

Service: 4:00 PM Tuesday March 29, 2011 Graveside Services at Rock Hill Memorial Gardens, Rock Hill, SC

Interment: Carolina Memorial Park Kannapolis, NC