Joseph L. Womack

AIKEN, SC – JOSEPH L. WOMACK, 92, beloved husband of Ramona Allen Womack, passed away Saturday, August 20, 2022 in his home.

A native of Andrews, NC, Joe was a son of the late Lyman Bryan and Carrie Robinson Womack. He grew up in Andrews and attended Mars Hill College for his first two years of post-secondary education. He transferred to the University of Tennessee where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Education in 1952, as well as his Master of Chemistry degree in 1955.  Upon graduation, he accepted a position with the DuPont Company and moved his family to Aiken to begin working at the newly-constructed Savannah River Plant.

Joe worked his entire career at the Savannah River Site moving through progressive management positions with increasing responsibilities over the course of 34 years. During that time, he managed numerous organizations and programs across the Site including Separations, Production, Reactors (including L-reactor startup), Raw Materials and Tritium. He received many accolades from both corporate and DOE personnel for his accomplishments and was recognized as an industry expert in the management and operation of nuclear facilities. Joe retired from Westinghouse Savannah Company in August 1989.

 Outside of work, Joe loved all sports and was an avid golfer. After retirement, he played daily and also served as President of the Palmetto Golf Club from 1990 - 1996. During his tenure as president, he was successful in overseeing the installation of a new watering system that rejuvenated the course and helped to ensure the Club's continuing success.

Survivors in addition to his wife of 70 years, Ramona, include four children - Aleta Chancey, Guntersville, AL, Bryan Womack (Patti), Batesburg, SC, Nala Gradkowski (Mark), Guntersville, AL, Daran Womack (Linda), Aiken; six grandchildren - Hope Bledsoe (Preston), Jason Womack (Kayla), Cole Chancey (Emily), Clayton Chancey (Lauren), Natasha Gradkowski (Hunter Spahn), Alexandra Johnson (Luke); six great-grandchildren- Dominic Bledsoe, Alaina Bledsoe, Hudson Chancey, Henry Chancey, Jackson Spahn and Canyon Spahn.

In later years, Joe became confined to home where he received wonderful care from a dedicated staff. The family would especially like to thank Lisa Winstead for her dedication to his every need and for her unending devotion to "Mr. Joe".

The family will receive friends Thursday evening, August 25th from 6 until 8 o’clock at Shellhouse – Rivers Funeral Home.  Private inurnment will be in the Southlawn Cemetery Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Millbrook Baptist Church, 223 South Aiken Blvd., Aiken, SC 29803.

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC