Fletcher Coombs papers
Scope and Contents
The Fletcher Coombs papers comprises publications and programs--a majority of which are related to the Sigma Pi Fraternity and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Dates
- Majority of material found within 1992 - 2000
- 1926-2000
Biographical / Historical
Fletcher Coombs, Jr. was born July 8,1924. He attended Laboratory High for Elementary and High School on the campus of the Atlanta University (AU) Center. In 1950, he graduated with a bachelor's degree in accounting from his beloved Morehouse College, and in 1953, he received an MBA from the Atlanta University Graduate School of Business.
He was a World War II veteran who served as a Supply Sergeant and a Combat Infantryman. He earned the rank of Second lieutenant in the Reserves and a bronze star medal for meritorious service in ground combat.
Fletcher Coombs, Jr., was a professional with 40+ years of experience in accounting, business, and home loan financing. He began his career in 1953 as a Teller with Mutual Federal Savings and Loan, located on Auburn Avenue, which at the time was the only black-owned Savings and Loan in Georgia. He went from teller to Treasurer to Executive Vice President at Mutual Federal for 20 years. In 1973, Mr. Coombs became the 4th President of Mutual Federal. In 1990, he left active employment with Mutual Federal and was named Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, where he continued to serve the Association for seven more years. In 1977, in honor of his 44 years of outstanding service to Mutual Federal, Mr. Coombs was named Director Emeritus.
Fletcher Coombs, Jr. received numerous community service awards throughout his working career. Some of his past affiliations of work and service in the community include: Advisory Board – AAA South; Director – AAA Georgia Motor Club; Board of Directors & Finance Committee – Sadie G. Mays Health and Rehabilitation Center; President/ Chairman & Finance Committee – Butler Street YMCA; President – Community Foundation; Director – Pilgrim Health and Life Insurance Company; Trustee – Southwest Hospital; Treasurer – United Way; Board Member – Atlanta Chamber of Commerce; Member – Friends of the Atlanta Public Library; Advisory Council – Atlanta University Graduate School of Business; Member – Georgia Savings and Loan League; Member and Grammateus of Kappa Boule' Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity; Member – Auburn Avenue Merchants Association; Member – Metro Atlanta Crime Commission; Board Member – Atlanta Municipal Market.
Mr. Coombs was a cradle Episcopalian, attending St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Atlanta, since his teenage years. He received the honor as a distinguished Pillar of St. Paul's and served as St. Paul's treasurer for 14 years. He was a dedicated member of two beloved fraternities: inducted into the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity in 1948 and inducted into the Sigma Pi Phi Kappa Boule Fraternity in 1983 and served as Grammateus for 28 years.
Fletcher Coombs, Jr. passed away in his sleep in the early morning of July 7, 2024, just hours away from his 100th birthday. Mr. Coombs was the oldest of three siblings (Wallace James and Blanche C. Shropshire) born to the late Fletcher Coombs, Sr., and the late Pearl Floyd Coombs in Atlanta, GA. He was married to the late Helen Grimes Coombs for 65 years, and from their union came two daughters, Kei and Toni.
-Taken from obituary
Extent
.25 Linear Feet
Language
English
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Auburn Avenue Research Library on African-American Culture and History Repository
