Thomas Womack

June 22, 1940 - April 15, 2011

Thomas Houston Womack passed away on April 15, 2011 in Novato, California. Born on June 22,1940 in Gallatin, Tennessee. Thomas was the son of Jessie Eckel and Thomas Womack, and the beloved stepson of Leon and Nancye Hunter.

Thomas graduated from Gallatin High School in 1959, then attended Tennessee Polytechnic University in Cookville, TN where he graduated with a degree in Engineering in 1963. Shortly thereafter, he married Linda Walker. They settled in Novato, California and raised two children.

Thomas worked as an engineer for various industries before founding his own filtration manufacturing company, Womack International, in 1980. He put his heart and soul into the company for 31 years, as an incomparable leader, mentor and friend. As one of the pioneers of the two-piece aluminum can manufacturing industry, his expertise was internationally renowned. Thomas loved ideas and innovation, developing multiple patents and participating in new ventures along the way. But above all, Thomas found joy in the day-to-day running of his business and working with the wonderful people he employed.

Thomas married Pamela Reed Womack in 1991. They lived in Novato where they enjoyed spending time with friends and neighbors, family and their two Bernese Mountain dogs, Kodi and Rufus.

Travel was a big part of Thomas’s life, for business and pleasure, and he relished seeing the world. Vacations were a special treat, whether on safari in Africa with his wife Pamela or spending time with his children and grandchildren in Maui.

Thomas was also a car buff and spent time at car shows and special events across California. As a member of the Maserati Club, he enjoyed showing and driving various sports cars throughout his life.

He is survived by his wife Pamela Reed Womack, his son Britton Ryan Womack and daughter-in-law Kirsten Wedereit Womack, their children Lilly, Griffin and Adeline; and daughter Kelley Womack O’Brien and son-in-law Aaron O’Brien, and their children Raleigh, Callen, and Sutter, all of whom will remember “Big Tom” in a very special way.

Two private celebrations are planned to honor Thomas, one in Tennessee, and one in California.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Tiger Haven, a rescue organization for big cats, and a cause that was close to Tom’s heart. Donations may be made online at tigerhaven.org or via phone at 865-376-4100.