The Truth About John Combe From Home Town

Millions of people met John Combe when they watched Season 4, Episode 6 of the HGTV show "Home Town," titled "The Sky's the Limit." When the episode aired on February 16, 2020, viewers noticed that in the credits afterwards there was a message that said, "In loving memory of John Combe." Additionally, Erin Napier, one of the show's hosts, posted on her Twitter account that Combe had died and that she felt "heartbroken." 

So, what's the truth about Combe who made such an impact on so many viewers? There is very little information available about his life and family other than what he shared during the show's taping. He said his father had been in the Air Force and his family had lived in many places when he was growing up. The last 10 years before his death, Combe had been living in Belize, a country located on the Northeast coast of Central America.  

John Combe's episode of "Home Town" was called "The Sky's the Limit" because Combe told hosts Erin and Ben Napier, "Money's not a problem for me. The sky's the limit." He was referring to the open budget for the home he had just purchased and wanted the Napiers to renovate in Laurel, Mississippi. Combe worked with Erin and Ben to buy the 1950s home that would serve as a second residence for him. According to Ben Napier, the house was purchased for $199,000 and had three bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms in about 3,000 square feet of living space. Renovations were approximately $150,000, according to Erin. 

Combe also told Erin and Ben that he was tired of living in big cities and said Laurel is a place where he can relax and enjoy life. In describing the features he was looking for in a house, he emphasized his desire for space. "I cook so I like a fairly nice kitchen, fairly modern but I like the industrial look," he said. 

Sadly, John Combe, who was born on May 23, 1949, passed away on April 4, 2020 of natural causes at a hospital in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, about 30 miles away from Laurel. He was 70 years old. You can read the condolences that poured in from viewers of "Home Town" on Twitter and on sites like Echovita that list Combe's obituary. 

In addition to being the first "Home Town" client with an unlimited renovation budget, the truth about Combe is that he was very genuine about his feelings for the Napiers and the town he hoped to call his new home. "I fell in love with Ben and Erin. They're just two very special people, and I love the little town of Laurel,"  he said. He also shared his view on life in comments such as, "I love change. If you don't change, life is stagnant."