Capt. Robby Combest's Obituary
Robert Duane Combest – AKA “Capt. Robby” of Jones Creek, Texas passed away on December 2, 2023
in Austell, Georgia.
Robby was born in Sinton, Texas on June 19, 1958, to Towanda Lois and John Patrick Combest.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John Patrick “Pat” Combest and Towanda Lois Whitton, and late wife, mother of his children, Melanie Shanks. He is survived by his step-father, Beamon Whitton, sons, Brenton Combest and wife Rachel, Brady Combest, and Brett Combest, sisters; Brenda Combest Smith and husband Richard, Cynthia Combest Ormsby, Missy Sharp and husband Tim Peters, Patty Wyatt and husband Donnie, brothers; Vance Whitton and wife Beverly, Bubba Whitton and wife Shannon, Rusty Whitton, Pastors Cecil Whitton and wife Leah, Grandchildren; Jaxson and Greyson, Nephews; Will and Blake Ormsby, and Niece: Lyndsey Truitt.
Robby began working after school and summer jobs in his preteen years. In his 13th year he began spending his summers with his grandparents, working for his Uncle Edward Sheppard at Fisherman’s Wharf in Port Aransas, Tx, first as a dock hand and later as a deck hand. He had more maritime hours than many older Captains by the time he was 18. He was one of the youngest Captains to receive his 100-ton Captains license at the age of 18. He was very proud of his years working at Fisherman’s Wharf on the Wharf Cat and Scat Cat. He ran the Jetty boat for a time prior to going to work at the age of 20 for Elliott’s Party Boats in Freeport Texas. He spent the first 20+ years as a Captain, sports and commercial fishing, as well as spending off seasons (winters) running crew boats to the offshore oil rigs. The last 25 years he spent running tugboats for Kirby Inland Marine out of the Houston, Texas ship channel. He held a Master of towing, Master of passenger vessels license, and Radar license during his long and exciting career.
Robby’s failing health forced him into early retirement in July of 2018. His passion and love affair with the ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and fishing was lived out on the Texas Gulf Coast. He set many records, and made some of the most exciting and memorable fishing experiences for his customers, friends and comrades. Capt. Robby – “Squat Rock”, was and will always be remembered as a fishing legend to numerous fishing enthusiasts of the Texas Gulf Coast, Sports, and Commercial Fishing Industry.
Two Celebration of Life Services will be held in Georgia and Texas:
Sunday, December 10, 2023, 11:45 AM at Life Church Smyrna Assembly of God, 4100 King Springs Road SE, Smyrna, GA 30082
Saturday, January 27, 2024. 2:00 PM at Souls Harbour Assembly of God Church, 900 South Brazosport Boulevard, Freeport, TX 77541
What’s your fondest memory of Robby?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robby?
Share a story where Robby's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robby you’ll never forget.
How did Robby make you smile?