Joe Miller Combs Jr, a U.S. veteran of both the Army and the Navy, passed gently away at the age of 94 in the early morning of Thursday, May 25th, 2023. Having served in the post- WWII/Korean War era, he lived his last few years at the Sam Rayburn Veterans’ home in Bonham, Texas. We love the staff there where he received the most compassionate and professional care.

His son Michael was at his side when he left us. Joe was the last of his generation in our family, preceded by both parents, sister, aunts, uncles, cousins, two wives, a son, and a grandson. He is survived by three children, two stepchildren, 14 grandchildren, multiple nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren. He’s been a great father, leader, and a fine example to us all.

One of the highlights of his long career was the sale, with IBM, of the Cowboy computer system to Braniff Airlines in Dallas, Texas. This was followed by successful entrepreneurship in the travel and real estate industries, in which he involved all his children.

Joe taught all his children, plus many others, to swim, play chess and tennis, ride bicycles and horses, to do our own thinking, and to love books and music.

He was an active Unitarian Church member in Dallas TX, San Diego CA, and Denison TX. He always signed his letters and documents with this motto:

“I wish you Love, Health, Wealth and Happiness… and Time to enjoy them.”

Memorial service will be at the Red River Unitarian church in Denison on Saturday June 3rd, 10am.