Raymond Neil Combs Jr.

 Raymond Neil Combs Jr. (April 3, 1956 – June 2, 1996)

He began his professional career in the late 1970s. His popularity on the stand-up circuit led to him being signed as the second host of the game show Family Feud in its second run and first revival. The show aired on CBS from 1988–1993 and was in syndication from 1988–1994. From 1995 to 1996, Combs hosted another game show, Family Challenge. While Combs enjoyed hosting Family Feud, he grew increasingly frustrated by the rigid formula of the show. He pressured his agent to find new opportunities for him in acting and comedy. Combs was removed as host of Family Feud in 1994, due to dismal ratings, he was replaced by Richard Dawson. Combs also made an appearance for the World Wrestling Federation as a guest ring announcer at WrestleMania VIII, where he amused the capacity crowd at Indianapolis' Hoosier Dome by lashing into the team of the Nasty Boys, The Mountie, and Repo Man with various scathing insults before being ultimately chased out of the ring.

In July 1994, Combs was involved in a serious car accident along the SR 134 portion of the Ventura Freeway. He sustained an injury in one of his spinal discs, leaving him in severe and continuous pain. Combs also struggled with financial problems after the failure of two of his comedy clubs (Caddy Combs and the Cincinnati Comedy Connection) and his home in Hamilton, Ohio, went into foreclosure. In September 1995, he separated from Debbie, his wife of 18 years (with whom he had six children). The couple attempted to reconcile, but later refiled for divorce. It was never finalized. Combs also faced setbacks in his career, having been involved with several failed pilot series. After an incident at his residence, where he appeared suicidal, Combs was taken to a hospital for psychiatric observation.

On June 2, 1996, he was found hanging in the closet of his room, and pronounced dead soon after. Combs was 40 years old, and is buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Hamilton, Ohio.