William Keith Mccombs

Keith McCombs

September 7, 1948 – April 24, 2021

William Keith McCombs, 72, of Kannapolis passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved ones early Saturday morning, April 24, 2021.

Keith was born September 7, 1948 in Cabarrus County to the late William Wallace McCombs and Alice Dayvault McCombs.  He was also predeceased in death by a brother in law, William Daniel Fink.

Keith was a lifelong member of St. John’s Reformed Church where he served in various capacities in the church.  He served as a Deacon and Elder, taught Sunday School, chaired Search committees, sang in the choir, and served on the Consistory.  In 1989, he supervised the renovation and restoration of St. John’s church building.

Keith was a faithful and loving husband, devoted father, and his five grandchildren were the light of his life.  He was a wonderful example of Christian bravery, faith, and love.  His beloved Tar Heels were so important to him, even during his illness, and he enjoyed attending sports and school functions involving his grandchildren.  Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Jan Hough McCombs, with whom he would have celebrated 51 years of marriage this year, a daughter, Ashlyn McCombs Edwards and husband, Lynn, a son, Jeremy Andrew McCombs and wife Cheryl, his five grandchildren, Weston and Ayden Edwards, and Berkeley, Hayes, and Amelia McCombs.   He is also survived by his brother, James David McCombs, and wife Jan of Winston Salem, and a sister, Diane McCombs Fink, of Kannapolis, along with numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Keith graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1971 with a BS Degree in Business (Accounting).  He was a member of Alpha Kappa Psi Fraternity and the brothers have continued their friendships and get togethers throughout the years.  He began his career in 1971, working in the Audit Department of Cannon Mills Company.  In 1986, he became a consultant at Atlantic American Properties, Inc.  In 1987 until 1996, he was Vice President of Operations and Finance for AAP.  In 1996 until 2006, he became a licensed North Carolina Real Estate Broker and a General Contractor. He and his partner, Robert (Bob) Ollis, started their own construction and real estate company, KM Construction Company and Tarheel Phoenix Group.  Keith and Bob enjoyed building, restoring, and remodeling around the area.  In 2006, until he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2009, he worked for Ike’s Construction Company as a Project Manager.  In his early work career, he prepared income taxes for many clients.  Keith also served 12 years in the North Carolina Air National Guard where he obtained the rank of Captain as a Transportation Officer.

When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed working in his yard, restoring antiques, coaching his children’s youth sports leagues, and taking his soulmate, Jan, to the beach.  Before COVID, Keith looked forward to his daily trips to the Townhouse II to see friends that he was still able to recognize.  The family is so thankful for the many people that went out of their way to make him feel special.

The family would like to give a special thanks to his caregivers, Tina Mueller, Carolyn Hemingway and the assistance provided by Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County.

The family will receive friends at Whitley’s Funeral Home on Monday, April 26, 2021 from 5:00 – 7:00.  Due to COVID restrictions, the family ask for you to practice social distancing and wear a mask.  There will be a private service on Tuesday, at St. John’s Reformed Church for family and church family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. John’s Reformed Church, 901 North Main Street, Kannapolis, NC, 28081 or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Cabarrus County, 5003 Hospice Lane, Kannapolis, NC, 28081.