Columbus WOMBLE Obituary

I am not saying I liked then LTC Womble when at 3/34 FA. He was a strict disciplinarian and had an XO that would go around and put a hatchet into notes that LTC Womble dictated as some discrepancy. No, I am not saying I liked him but there is one truth: He made a soldier out of me by scaring the daylights out of me. By the end of my tour as the Battalion NBC NCO, I had gone from being almost kicked out of the Army to being made a lifetime Cannoner and leaving for Korea with an Arcom in tow. RIP Sir.

I didn't know Buck in his military days, but did have the pleasure of working for him in his later career at Mosler. He was a wonderful boss that would go out of his way to give you advice and understanding during the turmoil the company was going through. The world was a much place with him than it will be without him.

I served with Buck Womble at Fort Lewis Washington when he was 9th DIVARTY XO and later as the 3-34th BN Commander. I was a newly assigned LT to the DIVARTY and remember than LTC Womble giving me advice and guidance. He would always begin our discussion with " Brother Olsen" When our paths would cross later in our careers, he always remember me and would take time to talk. I was lucky to know BG Womble.

My name is Jack Cravotta, I lived 5 minutes away from my grandfather who is Buck Womble. I cant stand having him gone. He's in a wonderful place now though. I'll see him again for ever and ever. "No one greater than this, that a man lay his life down for a friend" John 15:13

My commander twice at fort lewis,,,3/34 FA... supportive of me going to flight school which resulted in my career as a warrant officer aviator. I just found this site and my heart is sad with his loss. The world is a lesser place. Loren Ashley CW4 Ret

Cindy, we just today learned of Buck's passing. Please accept our belated condolences . So sorry we had lost touch with you guys the last few years.
I have such fond memories of our trip to visit you at Fort Lewis.
Buck was such a kind, gentle person and we are thankful to have known him.
We must get in touch and rekindle our friendship. I still miss all the wonderful nurses at Virginia Pediatrics. May God keep you in his loving grace.

Dear Cindy and family--Just received word of your beloved husband's passing in a Christmas card from friends. We loved the photographs and have great memories of our time together in Baumholder. Please accept our belated condolences and our admiration of you both. Love, blessings, and prayers to you and yours--George and Carole Blanc (12-6-2012)

God bless you and your family. Buck was a special man.

Cindy--Very sorry to hear of Buck's passing. He was a great guy to work for and both of you were good friends in your times at Fort Lewis. The world will be a duller place without his irrepressible spirit among us. Please accept our sympathy and our very best regards.

John Weller
The Reverend Edie Weller
Seattle

Dear Womble family,

I was very sorry to hear of General Womble's death. Although I only met him once in Germany in 1984 when I introduced myself because of our same last name, I was impressed by him. Wish I could have known him better.

Sincerely,

LTC (ret.) Frank Womble

Dear Cindy and Family,

LTC Buck Womble was my first battalion commander in 3-34 Field Artillery at Ft Lewis in the early 80s. I suppose any battalion commander is an awesome larger-than-life figure to a green wide-eyed second lieutenant. For me, Buck Womble was that and more. I remember his infectious enthusiasm -- a loud “Super!” when something was well done -- and his love of Soldiers and soldiering. That enthusiasm, that commitment to his profession, and that standard of selfless service was a great example for the young officers under his command. He pushed us hard to excel in 3-34 and his influence lasted long after that brief little slice of time in our lives. As I moved along in the Army, I often thought: what would Buck think of me now? Like a father figure, I wanted to make him proud. He had that kind of influence.

My sincere condolences to you all.

Eli Alford, COL, USA, Ret.

Cindy and Family-

It was a privilege to have served with Buck over the years. I first met this great soldier in the 78-82 time period when he was commanding a battalion at Fort Lewis and we later commanded the Division Artillery (at different times) at Baumholder, Germany. I will always remember his quick smile, his positive attitude and his way of looking out for the young officers in his command. He was a mentor before that term became fashionable. His fellow Redlegs and Gunners will miss him greatly; I suspect he is alongside Saint Barbara making sure the powder is dry and the firing data is accurate. Brigadier General (ret) Mark Kimmitt

I will always remember Columbus as one of the Godliest men I have ever had the privilege of being associated with. We went to high school and college together. We worked together at Liberty Supermarket, ran around together, double dated and stayed on the lake quite a bit. All of my memories with Columbus were centered around Christian love and fellowship. He was a great Christian man. I was pretty wild back in those days and Columbus taught me a lot about the right way to live. Columbus touched a lot of lives and will be missed by all who knew and loved him. For God's Glory, Jerry Turpen

Being from and airforce family and losing a loved one is no fun . Our families condolences to your family. May he spread his wing in heaven and fly.

What a wonderful man. Buck always made us feel like we were special. He did the important things in life, Love God, love his family, and make a difference in people's lives. I will miss talking to him about Alabama Football!!! Love and prayers to Cindy and all the family. Bernie and Jack

One Sunday in May 1970, in jolly ole England Buck and Cindy walked into church carrying a beautiful little 3-month old baby. That was the beginning of a friendship that has lasted 42 years. My life has been so enriched by that relationship that has endured the test of time. Oh how I cherish those memories and oh how I will miss hearing his voice when receiving a phone call from them. My sincere love to Cindy, Beth and Janelle,
Tina W. Greer

I was so saddened to learn of the passing of Columbus. He was a good friend in little league baseball and also in high school. My condolences go out to his entire family. I know he will be truly missed by many.

Dear Cindy and family,

Please accept our deepest sympathies. Although we never see enough of you, it has been a privilege to have you and Buck as neighbors. He always had so much cheer and warmth whenever we met, even in the past years as he fought this terrible illness. He was so clearly a good and honorable man.

Colleen, Cliff, Aidan, and Harry Gould

Dear Cindy and family, on behalf of the Farmbrook Community Association and the neighbors of Farmbrook, I send sincere condolences for your loss. I will be in touch with you, and please let me know how the neighbors can be of service to you, Cindy, in the coming weeks.

Kindly,

We were saddened to learn of Columbus passing but rejoice that he lived his life with dedication, compassion, and Christian love.

Our class at Coffee High School were privileged to know Columbus as he started his distinguished journey of service to others.

You are in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.

Thank you both for your fine service to our Country.

Buck was such a role model for everyone. We loved him and will dearly miss his presence. Sometime soon we'll all see him again. Our prayers are with you Cindy and all the family. Love Dana and Tom

In the short time I knew Buck I grew to cherish him and his friendship. Even when retired he was the epitome of an officer and a gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers are with Cindy and all the family.
Tommy Stewart, Macon, GA

We will miss Buck greatly. I am not sorry for him, but I am terribly sorry for your loss.

So sorry for your loss. Reba Martin Woods

As you comprehend this profound loss, let yourself cry knowing each tear is a note of love and pain that God feels for you.

Dear Cindy, Beth, Janelle and families: What a legacy Buck has left not only your family personally, but everyone with whom he served and came in contact with. During our 35 year friendship, we had the priviledge of having you here for several tours, and teaching your girls in Sunday school, being guests in each others homes, and as a young wife and mother, Cindy, you taught me so much! It was our joy to have you again stationed here when Beth and Mark married. I remember when the military men would serve at the Lord's table, most of the men were usually in military uniform. I asked Buck once, why he never wore his uniform. He told me he knew how "impressive" a dress military uniform could look, but that he never wanted anyone to look at him as if he were doing it for "show". We only knew him and your family as humble servants of God.
God will equip you with the strength you need for the journey ahead. Rest in the fact that you will not always feel this level of pain. God is right there holding you as you grieve, each of you in your own way, walking beside you throughout the days ahead as you adjust to a new way of life without Buck. Just think of the glories Buck is beholding! 1 Corinthians 2:9 says ..."No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love Him." We have seen each of you living your love for your husband and father through all these years. Each of you were his pride and joy. It was with the highest love and admiration with which Buck always spoke of you in your Christmas letters.
You all will be in our thoughts and prayers tomorrow as you celebrate his life and in the coming days and months ahead as you adjust to life without Buck.
If the Lord asks Buck "what did you do with the life I gave you?" - boy will they have a long conversation...and Buck will end with that great big grin of his that lights up his whole face saying, "...and what a life it was, too...and have you SEEN my grandkids?" Lovingly, Madaline (Thorpe) Duckworth and husband Lloyd, of Graham (Tacoma), WA

My best friend in grammar school and high school was Ruby Womble, one of Buck's sister. We were neighbors in "the Bend of the River," and I have fond memories of those days at their house on the river. I have that cute picture of him as a young boy in my old picture album. My heart is saddened to learn of his death, but also gladdened when I read about his many great accomplishments and wonderful life he lived.

Tank & I have fond memories of Columbus while attending Coffee High School in Florence,Al. His smile always reached his eyes, very genuine. Our sincere condolences to all his family.
Ken" Tank" & Dottie Mitchell- Raleigh, NC

Cindy and family,
We will remember Buck's contageous smile and positive attitude that lit rooms and lifted hearts. While we only knew of him as a military hero we are priviledged to have experienced the blessing of his Christian heroism.

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

May God be with all of the family and hold you on the palm of his hand

Please accept my condolences.

We were honored to know him, and blessed to serve under his leadership at Centerville. We love you all. You're in our thoughts and prayers.

I went to HS with Columbus and always considered him to be such a gentleman. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. He made all who knew him feel special.

I did not personally know General Womble, but we have a dear friend, Colonel Ed Wylie, U. S. Army-Ret, in common. He just called with the news of Buck's passing. My prayer is that God will shelter all of you in the hollow of His hand and bring you peace.

It was my great privilege to call Columbus my friend. He was voted "friendliest boy" in high school for a reason. He was everybody's friend and never had an unkind word to say about anyone. I cherish the time we were able to spend together at our 50th high school reunion. My wife Nina and I express our deepest sympathy and sincere prayers for Cindy and all of Buck's family. He will be greatly missed by all those whose lives he touched.

I went to school in Florence, AL, with Buck and know him to have been a real prince of a man - kind and nice. Anne Evans Donnell

Dear Cindy and family,
Please accept my sincere condolences in your loss. I was privileged to count Buck as a friend and fellow Christian. We attended high school and college together, and were also together in ROTC at Florence State College (now the University of North Alabama. And we both were members of Sherrod Avenue Church of Christ. Buck was a kind and giving man. I don't know of anyone who did not like him. I know that he will truly be missed. May God bless you and give you comfort and peace during this time of loss. My prayers will be with you.

In His service.

Cindy and family, we have only known you for a few years, but had heard about Buck before we even moved to Atlanta. What a privilege it has been to know both of you, especially having him as a Bible class teacher. You are all in our prayers, have been for a long time now. May God give you peace and comfort as you take each difficult step ahead. In Him, Barbara and Julian Frazier

Dear Cindy and family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. Buck was such a wonderful man and so giving to so many people. Your hearts must be breaking. Please know that you are all in my heart, thoughts, and prayers.
In Him,
Jo (Dooley) and John Ekstedt

Our sincere sympathy to Cindy and family; we are so thankful to have enjoyed his friendship since school days on; we will remember him well. God's peace. Anne and Don York