Billy Don Combs, 64, of Newport died Saturday, July 17, 2004 at Harris Hospital. He was born November 4, 1939 at Pennington, the son of H.G. "Blue" and Derothle (Majors) Combs.

Combs was a 1957 graduate of Newport High School. He attended Journalism College at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. He established and was the publisher of the Jackson Countian newspaper. He was a member of the Midway Church of Christ and was a Church of Christ preacher for many years.

Combs is survived by his wife, Barbara Bray Harbison Combs of the home; one son, Billy A. Combs, age 43, of Harrisburg; one daughter, Gina R. Motes, age 41, of Harrisburg; two brothers, Joe Combs of Marion and Don Combs of Midway; two sisters, Barbara Rushing of Cape Girardeau, Mo. and Earline Smith of Harrisburg; three grandchildren, Brent Wake, Tyler Bates and Dylan Combs, all of Harrisburg; a host of nieces and nephews; one step son, Phillip Harbison of Marked Tree; three stepdaughters, Sherry Howard of Tulsa, Okla., Sandra Link of Jonesboro and Stacey Harbison of Jonesboro; and two step granddaughters, Kasey Harbison and Chastity Spray. He also leaves behind numerous friends whom he loved to the end.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Monday, July 19 at the Midway Church of Christ with Mr. Bill Wheeler, Jr. officiating. Burial followed at Pennington Cemetery.

Pallbearers included Jimmy Mann, Gene Templeman, James Green, Leo Ryan, Nick Jackson and Tony Lewis.

Arrangements were handled by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home.