Obituary: Rev. John Walter "J.W." Womble
June 28, 2023
Reverend John Walter "J.W." Womble, 90, passed away on Thursday evening (June 22, 2023) at Hospice House Satilla in Waycross, Georgia.
J.W. was born in 1932, in Lulaton, Georgia, to the late C.B. Womble and Pauline Smith Womble. He graduated from Wacona High School in 1949. Shortly after his graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, serving aboard the U.S.S. Midway.
After leaving the Navy, J.W. worked for the JC Penney Company for 36 years. During this time, J.W. began working with honeybees and was awarded Sioux Honey Association’s Member of the Year award in 1984.
Upon retirement, J.W. found another calling. He became a pastor in the United Methodist Church, serving Waresboro UMC, Roxie Mae UMC, and Friendship UMC for a total of 21 years. His deep faith was an anchor throughout his life, guiding his actions in service to his congregations and family.
In addition to his parents, J.W. was preceded in death by his sisters Barbara Sue Greenfield and JoAnn Carter.
Surviving J.W. is his devoted wife of 59 years, Doris Dixon Womble, their children: Mike (wife Elizabeth) of Ellijay, GA, Brenda Meeks of Claxton, GA, Christie Foster (husband Marc) of Reidsville, GA, and John (wife Jennifer) of Lake Park, GA. He was a loving grandfather to Erick Gares, Courtney Key, Abby Foster, Riley Mercer, Owen Foster, and Henry Womble, and great-grandfather to Avery and Sirius Gares. Additionally, J.W. is survived by his sister Paula Lancaster of Conyers, GA and numerous nieces and nephews.
J.W. was known as a faithful provider, always caring for his family and those in need. He was a man of deep faith, humble generosity, and quiet strength. In remembering J.W., we think of a man who worked hard, loved deeply, and lived his faith each day. His memory lives on in the hearts of those he loved and served. His was a life well-lived.
A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday (June 25, 2023) at Winona Park United Methodist. Interment will be held in Oakland Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends Saturday evening at Music Funeral Home from 6 until 8 o’clock.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice House Satilla, 811 Beacon St, Waycross, GA 31501 or Winona Park Methodist Church, 900 N Augusta Ave, Waycross, GA 31503.
