Rev. Dr. Francis McIntosh Womack

Rev. Dr. Francis M. Womack, Jr. entered the Church Triumphant peacefully on October 22, 2024, surrounded by his children and in the capable care of the medical staff of the Clinton Presbyterian Community in Clinton, South Carolina.

Francis was born on July 9, 1929, in Jacksonville, Florida to Francis McIntosh Womack and Laura Brownfield Womack.

Francis had a joyful and adventurous childhood, examining aviation through model planes, sailing trips in the St. John’s River with his best friend Ed, and possessed a mischievous spirit. He was engaged, inquisitive and creative from a young age.

Francis was a graduate from Andrew Jackson High School (Jacksonville, FL), Erskine College, B.A. (Due West, SC), Columbia Theological Seminary, M. Div. (Decatur, GA), and McCormick Theological Seminary, D. Min. (Chicago, IL). He was a thoughtful student and minister. He was open to new ideas and humble enough to change his thought in the dynamic times in which he lived.

Francis married Jacqueline Chestnut Hewett. Francis and Jacqueline served in ministry faithfully together in called pastorates which included Trinity Presbyterian Church (Travelers Rest, SC), Cape Fear Presbyterian Church (Wilmington, NC), Robinson Presbyterian Church (Charlotte, NC), Greenbrier Presbytery (Lewisburg, WV), John Calvin Presbyterian Church (Orlando, FL), First Presbyterian Church (Hamlet, N.C.) and Calabash Covenant Presbyterian Church (Calabash, N.C.). They also served as interim pastor or stated supply for Shallotte Presbyterian Church (Shallotte, NC), Wallace Presbyterian Church (Wallace, NC), First Presbyterian Church (Morehead City, NC), Acme Presbyterian Church (Rieglewood, NC). 

Following the sadness and grief associated with losing Jackie, Francis reestablished a friendship and relationship with Beverly Rentz Schnabel and they were married on September 25, 1999. Empowering them both through grief and loneliness, Francis and Beverly found joy in travel, new friends and new locations.

Francis’ ministry was characterized as one of companion, creativity, healing and reconciliation for the churches and people he served. Francis often was called to serve churches that needed healing and reconciliation following a time of hurt and brokenness. Most often this resulted in unity, communion and healing so that the Gospel might be fully shared and promoted. 

Francis balanced his dedication to his ministry with a passionate pursuit of his hobbies. Model airplanes, ham radio, sailing, wood working, painting, and writing. Before cell phones and the internet, Francis connected ham radio communications with soldiers and their families. Francis sailed extensively on the east coast, the west coast, the Bahamas and Cuba. He was a leader in his private passions serving in leadership in Ham Radio Clubs, Model Airplane Clubs, and Sailing Clubs wherever he lived.

Francis was proceeded in death by wives Jackie and Beverly, his parents, and his sister Dorsey.

Francis’ surviving family includes his children Francis McIntosh Womack, III (Carol), Mary Glenn Mason (Steve, deceased), John Womack (Debbie), and Tim Womack (Stephanie). Francis was Grandfather of Allison, Lindsay, Ashley, Steven, Carol Leigh, Timmy, Macky, Savannah, and Jonathan. His great grandchildren were Hewitt, Bennett and Franky.

Francis was rich with friends and family.

Memorial gifts honoring Francis’ life and ministry may be made to the church of your choosing; “To the Glory of God and in Thanksgiving for the Life of Francis M. Womack, Jr.”

There will a Service of Witness to the Resurrection for Francis at the Clinton Presbyterian Community Home on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 1:00pm.

Gray Funeral Home of Clinton is assisting the Womack family with services.