Longtime Columbia Historical Museum director Bill Womack pictured with his grandson Carrson Karl at the West Columbia museum in happier days
By Tracy Gupton
Hearts are heavy among those of us who serve as members of the Columbia Historical Museum Board of Directors as we struggle to process the tragic news of the recent loss of one of our strongest leaders. Former museum board president Bill Womack, who was still an active board member, passed away Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at the age of 75.
Bill’s death came as a major shock to all of us at the museum and occurred only a few weeks after Donna Schwebel, another former Columbia Historical Museum board president, died unexpectedly. Bill’s mother, Emma Womack, played a vital role in creating the local museum around 1990 and her son was involved with the formation of the city’s historical organization from its infancy.
The death of William Pryor “Bill” Womack earlier this month has been a devastating loss to not only the local museum family but also to the entire community of West Columbia. Bill served his city as a Columbia-Brazoria School Board member (elected president of the board of trustees), West Columbia City Councilman and is a former WC municipal court judge.
“He was passionate about preserving history and worked alongside many valuable community members to ensure everyone could learn the history of his hometown through the Columbia Historical Museum and the Rosenwald School,” his family posted in his obituary. “Though he never sought recognition for anything he did, Bill was honored as as an Unsung Hero for Brazoria County, West Columbia Chamber of Commerce Man of the Year and Father of the Year.”
Bill and Crystal Womack of West Columbia pictured at a Texas Aggies football game in College Station where Bill earned his degree in 1970.
Bill was the son of Edwin Pryor “Onkie” and Emma Womack. He grew up in West Columbia where he graduated from Columbia High School in 1966. He was a captain on the 1965 Roughnecks football team his senior year in high school. So Bill bled maroon, Roughnecks and Aggies maroon!
While he was a good friend to many, Bill’s death this past week is being grieved by none more than his beautiful family. Our hearts go out to Bill’s wife, Crystal Carr Womack, their son, Randy Womack and his wife Melissa of Missouri City, his daughters, Liz Womack Swan of Houston and Laura-Sue Womack Karl and her husband Kevin of West Columbia, and Bill’s grandchildren, Spencer Swan, Graham Swan, Shepherd Swan, Carrson Karl, Evia Womack and Hubbell Womack.
A private family graveside service was held on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at historic Columbia Cemetery in West Columbia. Bill Womack was laid to rest in the family plot near his mother and father and Bill’s older brother, John Edwin Womack.
Columbia Historical Museum Board President Naomi Smith announced this week that a Bill Womack Scholarship will be presented by Bill’s children to a graduating senior at the May 18th Columbia High School Awards Night. The local museum will do the best it can to keep the memory of our friend and role model burning brightly in the years to come.
Gig ‘em, Bill.
Along with everyone else in our community, Pastor Danny Johnson and I are shocked and saddened at the sudden passing of our friend, Bill Womack. We will never forget our friendship with him. One memory stands out vividly — when Hurricane Harvey had wreaked havoc all around us, and we needed to quickly move disaster recovery supplies from the parking lot at Bar X Ranch (another storm cloud was coming!), Bill said, “We can do it!” He got his tractor and started hauling stuff up Hwy 35 to the WC Civic Center!!! He literally rescued thousands of dollars worth of supplies – with his tractor and determination!
May God bless Crystal and the rest of the family. You had a “prince of a man” as your family leader.
Danny and Barbara Johnson, The Lighthouse Church, WC
He was the best of West Columbia. He will be greatly missed.
Sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one. Bill was younger than me but both he and Johnny were nice. Prayers for the family and friends. Sincerely, Regino and Ann Diaz
We knew Bill as the special person he was. As the mother of a daughter who became the only daughter -in-law to Bill and Crystal, she has always been treated as one of their own and was especially close to Bill as they shared their stories of Aggieland. Melissa, wife of Randy (another special Womack) loves the Womack family as we do. Bill will be sorely missed by us and so many others. Rest in peace Bill
Thank you for a great address to family and friends. He truly was a compassionate man and made a difference in the lives and futures of so many people… a true unsung hero.
My heart goes out to Crystal, his children and grandchildren. Bill will be missed by all who knew and loved him.❤️
So sorry to hear that Bill has passed
Prayers and thoughts are with you all
Such a great combination of class,compassion, and a great sense of humor. Sincere condolences to his family. Go with God Bill.
What an amazing tribute to an amazing man. Sending much love and prayers for peace and comfort to his beautiful family and all of his friends.
May each of them continue to feel his light continue to shine bright from above.❣️
Prayers for you all. He will be missed. He was always a joy.
Bill was truly one of a Kind. Not only will he be missed by many, but the hole he leaves in our community cannot be filled.