Elwood Coombs

Elwood Coombs passed from this life into the presence of his Lord on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at home surrounded by his family. Born December 31, 1937, he is the son of the late Stanley Coombs and Olivia Williams Coombs in Lenoir County. He is also preceded in death by siblings Larry Williams Coombs, Barbara Ann Coombs, Bernice Edna Coombs and nephew Michael William Coombs.

Elwood was a loving husband, father and Poppie. Left to cherish his memory and carry his legacy is his wife of 60 years Sherry Cavenaugh Coombs; son Roger Lee Coombs (Michelle) and daughter Susan Coombs Bradshaw (Ashley); grandchildren Madelyn Coombs, Olivia Bradshaw, Maggie Ray Bradshaw, Claire Elizabeth Bradshaw and Robert Stanley Coombs; and special family Beth and Bo Fussell and Kim and Dennis Patram.

He loved his country, serving in the US Navy aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hornet during 1956-1960. He was a poultry farmer and retired from textiles however after retirement he enjoyed driving a rollback for his son’s business, delivering peanuts for English Family Peanuts and working for Padgett Funeral Home. He loved people and brought laughter and joy wherever he went, wearing crazy wild socks and sharing a joke to lift spirits and bring smiles to others.

He loved his church and served his Lord with enthusiasm. He helped with the Backpack ministry of Westview Methodist Church packing bags of food and sharing in delivering them to the schools. He loved air-frying turkeys for the Heroes In Training (HIT Squad) gatherings, helping them in any way he could. He enjoyed the children of the church and delighted in them being “children”.

His greatest love was his Grands – Madelyn, Olivia, Maggie Ray, Claire-Beth and Robert. He had a special relationship with each one and spent as much time them as they would allow. Whatever they wanted, he tried to make happen. He loved being their Poppie!

Elwood’s family will greet friends at a visitation on Tuesday, January 20, from 6:00-8:00 or on Wednesday, January 21 at 1:00 with service in the chapel of Padgett Funeral Home at 2:00. After the service, interment will be in Riverview Memorial Park of Watha.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in his memory to the Westview Methodist Church HIT Squad, 5610 Hwy 53 West, Burgaw, NC 28425.