Dr. Jerald F. Combs, age 72 of Hindman died Monday, December 13, 2021 after a long illness. The University of Pikeville’s College of Optometry termed his death as “the loss of an Eastern Kentucky ‘optometry giant’ in a statement released Tuesday. In practice since 1983, Dr. Combs changed the landscape for optometric practice in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The Dr. Jerald F. Combs Eye Clinic at the University of Pikeville-Kentucky College of Optometry was established in his honor He has received countless accolades in leadership roles with the Kentucky Optometric Association, the Kentucky College of Optometry at the University of Pikeville, serving as a member of the University’s Board of Trustees and Executive Committee; He also served as a community leader in Kiwanis, Lions Club, Little League and Youth Foundation and was elected state president of the Kentucky Jaycees.
He is survived by his wife Deb; locally he is survived by a daughter Dr. Elizabeth Combs Royse and her husband Wes of Glasgow; and a grandson Henry Giles “Hank” Royse of Glasgow.
A “Celebration of Life” for Dr. Jerald F. Combs will be held on Saturday January 15, 2022 at 12:00PM eastern time at the Knott County Sportsplex. Visitation will be from 10 am until time of service at the Sportsplex.
Expressions of sympathy can be made in the form of contributions to the Jerald F. Combs endowed scholarship fund at the University of Pikeville, 147 Sycamore Street, Pikeville, KY 41501 or online at www.upike.edu/Giving
Hindman Funeral Services is in charge of the arrangements.
