Bill Price Cumbaa, passed away at his home in Leesburg, FL, on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 at age 97.
He was born in Columbus, Georgia on March 27, 1921. Bill was an active member of the Boy Scouts of America in his youth, and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He majored in journalism at Emory University, receiving his B.A. in 1943. While at Emory, he worked as an usher at the legendary Loew’s Grand Theatre, escorting Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable into the stars’ box at the world premiere of “Gone With The Wind”. At Emory, Bill was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity, and in 2013 was honored nationally as a “Significant Sig”.
In April 1941 at Bill enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, training during summers while enrolled at Emory. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on April 30 and called to active duty in May 1943. He was shipped to the Pacific in May 1944 and served as a platoon leader in the 1st Marine Division. He fought on Peleliu and Okinawa, receiving two Purple Hearts for wounds received in combat, a Silver Star for valor in the battle for Peleliu, and a gold star in lieu of a second Silver Star for bravery in combat on Okinawa. Bill was stationed in China when WWII ended, and returned home with the rank of Captain. In his later years he was interviewed numerous times in print and television as well as being featured in film documentaries on the war in the Pacific.
Bill and Carolyn were married in 1946 and moved to Florida, where Bill managed movie theatres in Inverness and Leesburg for Martin Theatres. Soon he became partner and General Manager of MCM Theatres, which grew to have screens in a number of towns and cities in North and Central Florida. In Leesburg, MCM operated the Palace, the Fain and its successor the Tropic, the Vista, and the Crest Drive-In.
Shortly after their arrival in Leesburg from Inverness in 1948, Bill and Carolyn became active members of Morrison Memorial United Methodist Church, and Bill joined the Leesburg Kiwanis Club. He served as its President in 1957, and was a member for 70 years. He was named as a George F. Hixson Fellow by Kiwanis International in 2001. Bill was also a proud member and former Commandant of the North Lake Detachment of the Marine Corps League, and for many years was an active participant in their color guard in parades and ceremonies.
Bill enjoyed fishing with his sons in the lakes of Central Florida, especially from the family’s home on Lake Griffin, and on family vacations to Sanibel Island. He started running on a regular basis at age 50, and soon was competing in 10K races all over Central Florida, taking several first-place trophies in his age group. He and Carolyn enjoyed traveling, with memorable trips to the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Holy Land. In later years, Bill treated his sons and their families to unforgettable small ship cruises up the Inside Passage to Alaska, and to Peru, Ecuador, and the Galapagos Islands.
Bill is survived by his three sons, Steve (Penny), Larry (Veta), and Greg; six grandchildren, Christian (Anne), Alison, Emily (Simon), Madison, Sarah (Max), and Becky; and three great-grandchildren, Maddie, Henry, and Quinn. He was predeceased by his parents, L.J. and Eloise (Price) Cumbaa; brother, Jay; and his wife of 54 years, Carolyn (Martin).
The family is most grateful for the wonderful services provided the last few years by a team of caregivers from Comfort Keepers, too many to mention individually, but including several whose gentle banter, respect and loving care touched our hearts. Our thanks also, to Cornerstone Hospice whose staff made the transition the last few weeks as gentle as possible.
Visitation will be held from 5 – 7 p.m., Monday, August 27 at Beyers Funeral Home, 1123 W Main St., Leesburg; funeral service Tuesday, August 28th, at 10:30 a.m. in the sanctuary at Morrison United Methodist Church, 1005 W Main St., Leesburg. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, 1901 County Rd 25A.