Dr. Ransome Ellis Holcombe, 82, Jonesborough, passed away on Saturday, August 14, 2021 at the Johnson City Medical Center after an extended illness.
He was born on January 1, 1939 to the late James Frank Quinn, Sr. and Lucille Edney Quinn. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Brenda Holcombe.
He served in the US Army from 1958-1964, serving in Germany. He attended University of North Carolina, John Hopkins University, Appalachian State and East Tennessee State University. He received two Doctorates, one in History and one in Education. He started his career in 1964 in North Carolina as a Teacher, Head Coach and Assistant Principal. From 1968-2016 Dr. Holcombe served in Washington County School System, he was appointed Assistant Superintendent in 1976, served in that capacity for almost 40 years. He also served as Teacher, Coach, Athletic Director, and Principal. He taught ten years at ETSU in graduate and doctoral programs and worked three years as evening coordinator for North East State Community College. He was a life-long educator and had a great passion for children and a desire to make sure their educational needs were met. He was a big man with a bigger heart.
Survivors include his sons, Kent Holcombe and Marcus Holcombe (Jia); beloved granddaughter, Christian Holcombe; and the light of his life, great-granddaughter, Luna Cox; brother, James Quinn (Judith); sister, Victoria Dillon (Joe); aunt, June Williams (Bobby); and several nephews, nieces, and cousins.
He loved his family dearly and will always hold a special place in our hearts.
Private services will be conducted at the Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home with burial following at Washington County Memory Gardens with Rev. Jeremy Dykes officiating.
Having dedicated his life to the service of Children in Washington County, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Dolly Parton Imagination Library, 111 Dollywood Lane Pigeon Forge, TN 37863 or any organization of your choice that aids in helping children.
08/20/2021
Mickey Thornburg
He was an exceptional and fair man. I really enjoyed having him as my principal at Fall Branch Elementary School. My condolences Marcus.
08/19/2021
Bethanne Dykes
Dr. Holcombe offered me my first office job right out of high school as a math instructional assistant at Asbury. I only stayed for 6 months but I've always credited him with showing me I could achieve my goals in life. He had a great heart and I'm sure will be sorely missed. Condolences to the family.
08/19/2021
Vincent Whaley
Dr. and Mrs. Holcombe were always wonderful to me and thankfully gave me an incredible best friend through the years in Marcus. Mrs. Holcombe always has been my favorite teacher during my school years. Marcus, your Dad loved you so much and was so incredibly proud of you. I could tell it everytime I was around him. Prayers and positive energy to you and your family, my brother. Sending much love to all of you.
Dr. Holcombe was a true advocate for children. I always enjoyed seeing him and our discussions of life, liberty, and the pursuit of greatness for our students. My deepest condolences to his loving family, dearest friends, and Washington County Schools.
Ellis was a customer of mine who would drop by for a haircut and good conversation,mostly sports and the news of the day! R.I.P. Ellis
08/18/2021
Mike Alabed (Chico)
Mr. Holcombe was my coach or gym teacher at Lamar School, he was sort of intimidating being tall, I will never forget an instance where we had to glue felt onto the small gerber baby jars to make santa claus faces or anything related to Christmas in another class, well me and two other students brought it to the gym and started pushing them between us on the bleachers, we were spaced out about 15 feet and one on the bottles broke and Mr. Holcombe saw it , Mr. Holcombe gave us a choice (1) take a paddling or do 15 chapters and give him all the paperwork, I took the latter while my two buddy's took a paddling, I am now 62 years old, I wish I could go back to that time, RIP Mr. Holcombe.......oh by the way I never knew your first name.
08/18/2021
Debbie Collins
I am very sad to hear of Dr. Holcombe's passing. For those who took the time to know him, it was very evident that his heart did surely beat for 'kids'. Thank you sir, for your service to our country and our children. You will be missed.
It is a great sadness when a wonderful gentle soul is no longer with us. I have many great memories as I am sure many do. Remembering back eating breakfast and talking basketball with Mr. H. always brings a smile. He was someone I looked up to as a youngster and someone I could have an honest conversation with as an adult. Kent, Marcus and family my deepest condolences for your loss.
08/18/2021
La Donna Parton Compton
So sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Holcombe. He was my all time favorite person while at Fall Branch. He definitely made a difference in alot of kids lives. He will be missed!
Ellis was one of my teachers at DCHS in the 70's he was always one of my favorites. I never will forget he always treated me like an adult and with respect, and I returned that respect. We remained friends for years after graduation. He was a good teacher, and person. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
I’ve known Dr. Holcombe for about 14 years. I have never met anyone more insistent than him about seeing that all students received the education they deserve. The alternative school truly touched my heart as did his caring attitude toward the students. He was truly an educator.
08/17/2021
Rose Ellen Thomas
It is with great sorrow that I write this note. Please receive my most deep condolences.
Dr. Holcombe was a wonderful and caring person. He wanted the very best for children. I will miss him.
08/17/2021
Kathy & Lynn Kiser
Christian, Kent, Marcus and family, we were very sorry to hear of Dr. Holcombe's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kathy & Lynn Kiser
