When he was 17-years-old he went on one of many adventures in his life. He joined the Navy. He served honorably from 1963 – 1973. He was a medic during the Vietnam War and later became a pathologist. Then, one day, he came home and said he had seen enough blood in his life time and he became a letter carrier for the Turlock Post Office for 23 years.

All who knew him knew Daddy loved a great story and had many tall tales — some believable and some questionable. He was a character. Most days you would find him sitting in his garage at his desk messing with some gadget or other with his grandson, Craig. We called them the welcoming committee and he welcomed all that stopped by. 

We were able to bring him home the day before he passed and he was surrounded by our love when he went home. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him and loved him.

He leaves behind the love of his life for 37 years, Carolyn McCombs; sisters, Margaret McCombs of Delhi and Nena McCombs of Denair; children, Nola (Marcus) Gallardo of Keyes, Rodney Jr. (Penny) McCombs of Turlock, Christelisa McCombs Saude of Delhi, Shelly Barroso of Keyes and William McCombs of Delhi; 16 grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and numerous extended family members and lifelong friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cleo and Anna Mae McCombs; and his brother, Jerry McCombs Sr.

All who knew him, please come and join us to celebrate his life at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 10 at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., with a reception following. There will be no viewing or graveside services at this time. Those were his wishes.   

Please leave your condolences at www.turlockmemorialpark.com.