Bill Womacks

William "Bill" Womacks, 84, passed away on Friday, May 30th, at home, surrounded by his family. At his request, he will be laid to rest with a burial at sea, his ashes to be released into the waters of Chesapeake Bay off Virginia Beach.
Born on December 31, 1940, in New Rockford, North Dakota, to Alvin and Ida (Christ) Womacks, Bill was raised with a strong sense of duty and humility. He attended Central High School in New Rockford and began working for the Price family before answering a greater calling by enlisting in the United States Navy in 1961.
Bill's first assignment was aboard the USS Canberra, a battlecruiser where he served for over five years. His service included critical missions during the Cuban Blockade and a Mediterranean deployment in 1963, where he met his future wife and her mother on the beaches of Cannes, France. The Canberra later carried him through two consecutive six-month tours in Vietnam. Though his primary role aboard was as a baker, his battle station was the 5"-38 twin gun mount, where he served selflessly as the right powderman during numerous fire missions. For his bravery and dedication, he was awarded two combat action ribbons.
In 1968, while serving shore duty at the Naval Air Station in Norfolk, Virginia, Bill was reunited with his long-distance fiancée, Danielle Point, who journeyed from Lyon, France. They were married on September 27, 1968, in the Chapel in the Woods at the Naval Air Station, a quiet celebration of their enduring commitment.
Following his retirement from the Navy after 21 years of honorable service, Bill continued to support his country through the Military Sealift Command (MSC), the Navy's civilian-operated merchant fleet. As a ship's baker, he served for another 23 years aboard various MSC vessels, consistently contributing to the needs of others behind the scenes.
Among his most poignant memories was serving aboard the tanker Josh Humphrey during Operation Desert Storm. Though there was no parade when he returned from Vietnam, fate gave him a moment of long-overdue recognition: while serving in the MSC, Humphrey was selected to participate in New York City's "Fleet Week," where Bill and his crew proudly marched in the Desert Storm Victory Parade. At last, with confetti and ticker tape raining down on him and his shipmates, he received the homecoming he and so many Vietnam veterans were denied.
Bill's compassion extended beyond his service. A lifelong animal lover, he cared for countless dogs and cats, and in retirement, found joy in feeding the wild animals-raccoons, foxes, and opossums-that visited his porch from the nearby city park. His love of the natural world was matched only by his passion for both fishing, and crabbing was a skill he proudly passed on to his three children.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife, Danielle of Virginia Beach; his daughter, Florence (Travis) Owney of Virginia Beach; sons, William C. Womacks of Virginia Beach and Pierre J. Womacks of Norfolk; and his sister, Vida (Jerome) Klocke of Underwood, ND. He is also remembered fondly by many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Maynard; and his sisters, Mary Ann Harrison and Shirley Packard.
Bill lived a life of quiet strength, unwavering service, and deep love for both people and animals. His legacy is one of humility, dedication, and the quiet heroism of a man who gave without expecting in return.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to the Hope For Life Rescue, through Bill's legacy fund, by clicking HERE.
A Memorial Service to remember Bill Womacks will be held Saturday, June 14th at 4PM at Altmeyer Funeral Home-Southside Chapel with a reception to follow. For those unable to attend, a live stream recording will be accessible by clicking HERE, at the date and time of the event. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bill Womacks, please visit our floral store.To make a memorial donation, please visit the donations section of this obituary.