Tanner Combs Kingsport TN Obituary: Dobyns-Bennett High School Assistant Sports Performance Coach Has Died

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Coach Tanner Combs, a deeply valued and much-loved member of the Kingsport community. As an Assistant Sports Performance Coach at Dobyns-Bennett High School, and a multi-sport coach and educator at Robinson Middle School, Coach Combs’s impact on students, athletes, and fellow educators was immeasurable. His sudden passing leaves a void that words alone cannot fill—but his legacy of faith, mentorship, and compassion will live on in the lives he touched.

A Coach, A Mentor, A Friend

Coach Combs was more than just a sports performance coach. He was a mentor, a motivator, a role model, and a true friend to so many. His energy and dedication were felt every day—in weight rooms, on the field, in classrooms, and throughout the hallways of the schools he served. Coach Combs inspired students not only to achieve athletic success but also to grow in character, discipline, and confidence.

Whether it was a pre-game pep talk, a quiet moment of encouragement after a tough loss, or simply a genuine “How are you doing?” during the school day, Coach Combs took time to ensure every student felt seen, supported, and valued. His leadership was marked by humility and compassion, traits that made him approachable and beloved by all who knew him.

A Man of Faith and Principle

Coach Combs’s deep Christian faith was the cornerstone of his life. It shaped his decisions, guided his leadership, and empowered him to serve others selflessly. He lived his faith through action—through kindness, forgiveness, and unwavering support for those in need. His daily walk of faith made him a beacon of strength and hope in both the school and greater Kingsport community.

Even in difficult moments, Coach Combs remained a steady presence, offering not only practical guidance but also spiritual encouragement. He believed in the potential of every student and was tireless in his efforts to help others realize that potential.

A Community in Mourning

Coach Combs’s passing has sent shockwaves through the Dobyns-Bennett Tribe family, Robinson Middle School, and the entire Kingsport area. As students, faculty, parents, and community members grieve, many have shared stories of how Coach Combs positively impacted their lives—on and off the field.

Social media has been flooded with tributes, pictures, and messages from past and present students, coaches, and friends. One former student wrote:
“Coach Combs believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. I’ll never forget what he taught me—about strength, about life, and about never giving up.”
These sentiments are echoed by hundreds who knew him.

Honoring His Legacy

Though his time with us was far too short, Coach Combs leaves behind a legacy that will last generations. His example of leadership, integrity, and faith continues to inspire those he coached and mentored. As we mourn, we are also called to carry forward the values he lived by:

• Believe in others.

• Lead with love.

• Serve with humility.

• Keep the faith.

Coach Combs’s influence extended far beyond Kingsport. The values he instilled, the hope he offered, and the love he shared will ripple outward, continuing to shape lives and communities.

A Call to Support

As we remember Coach Combs, we also stand in support of his family. In this time of sorrow, we invite the community to join together to provide emotional, spiritual, and practical support. Whether through donations, organized fundraisers, or simply offering a helping hand, every act of kindness honors his legacy.

Information regarding memorial services, tributes, and ways to support the Combs family will be shared by the school district and local faith communities in the coming days.

Forever in Our Hearts

Coach Tanner Combs was a man of strength, heart, and unwavering purpose. His dedication to others, his steadfast faith, and his incredible spirit will never be forgotten. He poured love, discipline, and hope into every life he encountered—and in doing so, he built a legacy that will never fade.

To his family: We grieve with you. We stand with you. We pray for peace and strength for you.
To his students and athletes: Live boldly, love deeply, and lead with integrity—just like Coach did.
To our community: Let’s honor Coach Combs by lifting each other up and continuing his mission of servant leadership.

Coach Combs, you made this world a better place. Thank you for your service, your heart, and your unwavering belief in all of us. You will always be remembered, and you will forever be missed.

🕊️ Rest in peace, Coach Tanner Combs. Your Tribe will carry you in their hearts, always.