Jerry Thomas Womack, age 83, of Norfolk, Virginia departed this life on Sunday, February 19, 2023 at his home at Harbor's Edge in Norfolk, Virginia after a long fight with Parkinson’s disease and cancer.
Jerry was born on July 14, 1939 to Dexter J. Womack and Iva "MA" H. Womack in Lee County, Sanford, North Carolina.
Jerry went to school in Lee County, Sanford, North Carolina and upon graduation he migrated to Norfolk, Virginia to work for his older brother Elmer C. Womack in the construction business. That business became his passion for the rest of his life. He became proficient in operating most of the heavy equipment. He worked on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel project as an equipment operator. He developed a love for Caterpillar Yellow and Red Mack Trucks.
Jerry started his own company, Suburban Grading and Utility Construction, Inc. in 1969 and operated the company until his retirement in 2017, when he closed the company and sold the equipment. While there were difficult years, Suburban became one of the largest and best underground utilities and grading companies in the area. Over the years thru death, he lost many of his friends who were competitors, but he never forgot them. Jerry came from a family of risk takers and that is what it takes for the kind of business he was involved.
Jerry was one of the founders of Hampton Roads Utility and Heavy Contractors Association, (HRUCA). He was president, Director and other positions in the success of the association and was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award for his service. He was instrumental in establishing the HRUCA Scholarship fund for the benefit of children of the member companies. He was a Director of Gateway Bank and other financial companies.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Alice Womack; his three children, Jerry T. Womack, Jr; Pamela Womack; Timmy Womack (deceased) and stepson, Troy Leach; sister, Ruby Lambardy. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Wesley Womack, Dana Womack, Taylor Womack, Brooke Womack and Haley Leach; and four great grandchildren. He was the 10th child and the youngest and all his other siblings precede him in death.
A visitation for Jerry will be held Wednesday, March 1, 2023 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A celebration of life will occur Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 2:00 PM, at Rosewood Kellum Funeral Home, 601 N. Witchduck Rd, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23462 followed by an entombment at Rosewood Memorial Park. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.kellumfuneralhome.com for the Womack family.
