Richard Lane Wommack

“Uncle Richard”, as he so often was called, passed away Tuesday May 24, 2016. His passing was quick and with little discomfort with his son, Tim, by his bedside speaking words of encouragement, hope, and love.

Time nor words would do justice to the heart, compassion, support, laughter, strength, song, and effort he put into the lives of countless individuals. He rarely complained, if ever, yet listened to those in need who had complaints and did all he could do to stand in the gap for them and their needs. He would listen intently to people with the heart of a warrior and then battle for them in ways nobody else could. If you needed a fighter, he would slug it out for you. If you needed a hand, he would give you his own. If you needed someone to run a mile with you, he would run two, change shoes and run some more (he loved running at the University of Arkansas track).  Speaking of Arkansas, there was little doubt who loved the Arkansas Razorbacks with all that they had. He called hogs from all over the country. You can probably still here his enormous WHOO-PIG-SOOIE!!! echoing around the venerable walls of the Arkansas Stadium.

He lived his life with the sole purpose of serving and helping individuals in the best way he believed he should. That service took him into basically two jobs with long careers. He was a drive-in theater manager for about 15 years, managing in four states: Missouri, Arkansas, Nebraska, Kansas, and back to Arkansas. At his last appointment in Fayetteville, Arkansas at the age of thirty, he became one of the most accomplished theater managers in the entire United States. In Fayetteville, he ran the 71 Drive-In Theater with the capacity for some 500 cars. The theater was always packed. He would pour himself into making that drive-in a place where families could come and “be families” in a carnival atmosphere with rides, games, food, and incredible fun. The roar of kid’s laughter would echo all across the hills of Fayetteville for hours. Then as their moms and dads drove home, those kids would be sound asleep in the back with a full expression of joy stretched across their parents’ faces.

During that time, he realized that if he was going to provide for his family and give them what he wanted and what he felt they needed, as well as serve the community better, he would have to do something different. He enrolled in the University of Arkansas, graduating with a degree in law. He went on to become one of the most successful lawyers in Northwest Arkansas. He helped people of all stripes of life with whatever they needed. Law became his passion and his life and he served it for over 40 years.

He came to Evington, Virginia in 2013 to live with his son, Tim and his wife, Jyl. There he enjoyed good country living and the love and activity of many of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was called “papa gg” by one. On his last day on this earth, that one great-grandchild came and crawled up in his bed, gave him a kiss and said, “See you later.”

That about says it all, “See you later.”

He is survived by two sons, Richard Lane Wommack, Jr. of Nashville, Tenn., and Timothy Ralph Wommack and his wife, Jyl Wommack of Evington, Va.; his 11 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren and numerous wonderful nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.

He was preceded in death his parents; 8 siblings and their spouses; a son, Michael Lindsey Wommack; and 4 nephews.

Our appreciation to Tharp Funeral Home &Crematory for arranging the services. They are located at 220 Breezewood Drive Lynchburg, Va. 24502. You can contact them at 434-237-9424 or by web www.obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com.

A life celebration will be held at 6 p.m. on June 2, 2016, at Grace Evangelical Free Church 21129 Timberlake Road, Lynchburg VA 24502, (434)385-0560. The family will receive friends after the service.

Because “Richard” served and helped people so much, please in lieu of flowers, send all donation to Grace’s benevolent fund which helps the community in a variety of ways. Thank you