Ernest Combee
Mandolin
I was born and raised in Lakeland, Florida, and graduated from Kathleen High (a "Strawberry" School) in 1950. I was saved--born again--when 11 years old, in an old-fashioned revival meeting at Gapway Baptist in Lakeland and was baptized in Lake Deeson.
My love for music began early, and I took piano lessons for three years when very young. I started playing the mandolin at age 14. Although self-taught, I won a state championship with the FFA band while in high school. While attending the University of Florida, I played some with Mel Tillis, including Mel’s first professional show in Jacksonville, Florida. We continue to be good friends to this day. I served two years in the Army Signal Corp, including 17 months in Korea.
In 1955, I married another Polk County native, Shirley Walling, and we are proud to have two daughters, Ginger Corda and Cindy Rodriguez; a son, Darrell Combee; and four grandchildren. I spent my entire working career in the plumbing trade, 12 years of which I owned my own business. The last 12 years before retirement were spent as a Plumbing Inspector for the City of Lakeland.
I played the mandolin with several bands before marriage, but really did not play much for about 30 years afterward. While raising our "country" children, I was Minister of Music in several local Baptist churches. I always enjoyed singing in church, whether it be in the choir, solo, duets, or trios.
My wife prayed for an extended period of time that I would use my musical talent to play the mandolin for the Lord. An opportunity came unexpectedly in the early 1990s when I was asked to join some full-time Gospel singers (The Sears) who spent their winters in Florida. I've played several Winter concerts with Bob and Darleen Puffer in a group we call "Eagles Wings." Since then, I have been very busy playing and singing for the Lord. I have been with Never Fade since it was formed in 1998, and it has been the best music experience of my life! I thank God for answering Shirley's prayers.
My other interests include fishing and SPORTS! (Go Gators!) My purpose and deepest life’s desire is to win souls for our Lord and to help others to grow spiritually.
My motto: Always treat people fairly and never burn any bridges.
I have seen/known many Gospel groups throughout my lifetime, but none of them have come close to the spiritual folks in Never Fade. Souls are saved and lives changed because of what God does through our ministry.