Carl E. Combs “Skip”

Born on October 25, 1948 in Hamilton, Ohio
Departed on June 24, 2025, in Melbourne, Florida

Born on October 25, 1948 in Hamilton, Ohio and departed on June 24, 2025 in Melbourne, Florida.

Skip Combs passed away Tuesday, June 24, 2025 at the age of 76 at Kindred Hospital. He was preceded in death by his father Carl J. Combs and mother Faye Ellen Proffitt and three sisters Lisa Ronto, Renee Proffitt and Jill Proffitt.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Celeste Egelston Combs; his three sons Justin (Beth) of West Melbourne, Florida, Chad (Angie) of Oxford, Ohio and Jason (Jennifer) of Hamilton, Ohio; two grandsons Jackson and Grayson of West Melbourne Florida; four granddaughters Sydney (Gregory) Conklin of Liberty, Indiana and Kelsi, Kayli and Davi Scott of Oxford, Ohio; three great-grandsons Bryson Taylor, Zane and Dean Conklin of Liberty, Indiana; three sisters Laurie (Rick) Grubb of Middletown, Ohio, Kristi Back of Trenton, Ohio and Carla Cathers of Hamilton, Ohio; brother Rob Proffitt of Middletown, Ohio and numerous nieces and nephews.

Born in Hamilton, Ohio his family moved to Middletown, Ohio at a young age where he attended Middletown High School. He found his love of photography during his early twenties working with two others in their studio. Skip, Celeste and Justin moved to Melbourne Village in 1989 and made this their home. After working for another photography company a few years, Skip Combs Photography was started in 1995. Over the years since, Skip has photographed many of the youth of Brevard County whether it was in a school, on a baseball, football or soccer field, dance studio or a basketball court. He enjoyed working with the kids and watching them grow and then getting to photograph their kids as they started their families.

Skip’s most important thing in life was his family and he would try his best to be there for all of their celebrations and accomplishments. His passing will leave a very large hole in every one of our lives.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Front Street Civic Center on Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 4 to 7 p.m. with a short service at 5 p.m.

4 entries.

Sally Facciobene from Melbourne wrote on July 10, 2025:

I am a lucky person to have been part of Skip’s journey . He and his family feel like my own family. We will miss him so much. Heaven will be a better place with him in it.

Rob Proffitt from Middletown Oh wrote on July 9, 2025:

Skip my dear brother you will be greatly missed my prayers an support goes out to Celeste an the boys Loved ya brother

Beth Janko from Melbourne wrote on July 7, 2025:

I was so sad to hear of Skip's passing. He has taken pictures for our law firm for many years. Always a pleasure to speak with. He will certainly be missed by many. May the Lord provide comfort to his wife and family as they go through this difficult time. 🩷🙏😢

Kathi Belger from Melbourne, Florida wrote on July 3, 2025:

Skip, you will be missed dearly. Had the privilege of collaborating with you for almost thirty years. Always professional, easy going, upbeat and fun to be around. Rest easy. Celeste and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Carl E. Combs “Skip”

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