Mike Holcombe

Retired Serviceman, Charles Michael “Mike” Holcombe, 71, passed away Wednesday, December 12, 2018.

Mike was a devoted husband and extraordinary father, grandfather and friend.  His smile resonated through and touched all that crossed his path.  Those that knew him felt his warmth and loved his sense of humor.  His strength and desire to help others was always known.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Teruyo “Kay” Holcombe; daughter, Regina Whitted and husband, Danny; son, Corey Holcombe and wife, Amy; grandchildren, Tristan Whitted, Dustin Holcombe, Erin and Morgan Long.

He was predeceased by his parents, John W. and Lydia Holcombe, and brother, John W. Jr.  Surviving are his brother, Steven Holcombe and sisters, Libby Summey and Teresa Mason. 

Mike was a native of Greenville, SC and graduate of Wade Hampton HS.  He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1966 and proudly served his country in the Vietnam War.  After 5 years in the Marines, he returned home and was honorably discharged.  Civilian life was not the fit for him and he felt the need to continue to serve.  In 1971, he enlisted in the United States Army and served his country for the next 16 years on military bases around the world.

Following his retirement from the military, he continued to serve people. He was employed and retired from Walmart after 14 years of service at the Taylor’s Walmart. He loved greeting people as they came in to shop and he always had a piece of candy in his pocket for the children he met.  He also enjoyed working in the Garden Center and considered his fellow employees his dear friends.

Mike was considered a “pioneer member” of the SGI Buddhist organization.  He felt strongly in his belief of creating value, peace and happiness in his community and with fellow members.  His faith in humankind was echoed in his interactions with all people that he touched.

Visitation will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, 639 N. Main Street, Greenville, SC. SGI Prayer Services will immediately follow at 3:00 p.m. in the Thomas McAfee Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please dedicate a donation on Mike’s behalf to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital through www.stjude.org or 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, (800) 822-6344.