COMBS, Phillip J., 18, died June 12, 2004 in an auto accident. He was a native of Ruskin, Fla. He was a 2004 graduate of East Bay High School. Phillip was an avid bowler and won numerous awards. He was an auto technician and huge Nascar fan. He loved music; playing the drums and violin, and winning the 2004 National Orchestra Award. He also volunteered as a rescue crew member at Desoto Speedway. He is survived by his parents, Phillip G. Combs and Lisa M. Pyche; brother, Travis; grandparents, Thomas and Sharon Pyche of Sundance, and Katherine Combs of Michigan; great-grandmother, Grace Grant of Massachusetts; several aunts, uncles, and cousins; his girlfriend, Janine Santiago of Riverview; and lots of wonderful friends. His memory will last in our hearts forever and his love will be with us for an eternity. We would like to thank everyone for all their love and support. The visitation will be held at Lewers Funeral Home Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at St. Anne Catholic Church in Ruskin on Friday at 11 a.m. followed by interment at Ruskin Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers family asks that donations be made to MADD, 11250 N. 56th St., Suite 105, Temple Terrace, FL 33617.
Arrangements handled by Lewers Funeral Home.
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Obituaries
Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Saddened Teachers Recall "All-Around Friendly Kid'
DRIVER CHARGED WITH DUI IN TEEN'S DEATH
Tampa Tribune, The (FL) - Wednesday, June 16, 2004
Author: LIZ BLEAU, ebleau@tampatrib.com
By LIZ BLEAU
ebleau@tampatrib.com
APOLLO BEACH — For a young man fresh out of high school, 18-year-old Phillip J. Combs had an unusually long list of loves: NASCAR, high-power car and boat engines, carpentry, the violin and playing the drums in his garage band.
He won't have a chance to pursue any of those paths. He died Saturday morning on his way to mow his grandparents' lawn when his car was struck by a pickup as he drove north along U.S. 301 in Wimauma.
Florida Highway Patrol investigators have charged the driver, Isaac Contreras-Vazquez, 26, of 3116 Hillsborough Lane, Wimauma, with driving under the influence-manslaughter.
Records show his blood-alcohol level at Tampa General Hospital, where he was treated for injuries after the crash, was 0.280 percent. The level at which a person is considered unfit to drive is 0.08 percent.
Contreras-Vazquez is being held at Falkenburg Road Jail without bail.
State troopers said he veered his Ford F-150 truck onto the grass shoulder near Saffold Road. He overcorrected, and the truck spun across the median and collided with Combs' 1988 Honda, authorities said.
Combs' father, Philip, described his son as a perfect child who never got in trouble, was always on the honor roll and loved helping others.
His son was looking forward to attending technical school in North Carolina and someday working as a NASCAR technician on high-performance engines.
His automotive technology teachers at East Bay High School described Combs as a great person.
Wayne Nicholson, who taught Combs auto tech for three years, said he was an "all-around friendly kid who called me "Nick.' He could have been my son."
Nicholson said it was unusual for a student to be so into cars and also have an interest in the orchestra. He said he and other East Bay teachers were stunned by news of Combs' death. He graduated in May.
"It's not what you expect to hear. I was shocked and upset. It really makes you take a step back. Here we are, sending these young people out thinking they have their whole life ahead of them. This is not something you expect. It's such a waste," he said.
Elbert Brown, who also teaches auto tech, said Combs always was eager to help.
"You never had to ask him twice to do anything," Brown said. "His last two days of school he just hung out in auto shop with the lower classes and helped out, running for parts. He really enjoyed being here."
Assistant Principal Sharon Morris said Combs had a way of keeping an eye out for people, including her and former Principal Sue Croley.
For example, Combs often parked near where school staff monitor the parking lot.
"If he didn't see us there for a couple of days, he would stop by and check on us" in the main office, she said.
Combs will be buried Friday at Ruskin Memorial Park along the Little Manatee River after an 11 a.m. funeral Mass at St. Anne Church, 106 11th Ave. N.E., Ruskin. Calling hours will be 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Lewers Funeral Home, 308 College Ave., Ruskin.
Besides his father, Phillip G. Combs, and his mother, Lisa M. Pyche, he leaves a brother, Travis Combs; grandparents Thomas and Sharon Pyche of Sundance and Katherine Combs of Michigan; and great-grandmother Grace Grant of Massachusetts.
Memorial donations may be made to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, 11250 N. 56th St., Suite 105, Temple Terrace FL 33617.
Reporter Jill King Greenwood contributed to this report. Reporter Liz Bleau can be reached at (813) 633-4323.
Phillip Combs Was on his way to mow grandparents' lawn Saturday when he died in a crash Isaac Contreras-Vazquez Is in jail and charged with driving under the influence-manslaughter
Memo: TAMPA BAY AREA