Max Womack

Max Vernon Womack, Texas Ranger, retired, age 91, of Atlanta, Texas, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at his residence.

Max was born October 1, 1929, in Big Spring, Texas, to Ray and Louise Womack. His family moved to the East Texas oil fields of Talco where Max graduated from high school. At seventeen Max joined the US Army and was stationed in Japan in 1946. After discharge, Max attended what was then known as North Texas Agricultural Junior College (presently University of Texas at Arlington).

He then went to work in the oil patch for Humble Oil and Refining Company but had always yearned for a career in law enforcement. Through the influence of a family friend, Max applied and was accepted to the Texas Highway patrol in 1951 with his first posting in Corpus Christi. He later transferred to Paris in 1954 where he met his wife Wanda. In 1969 Max began his career in Texarkana as a Texas Ranger and served with Company B as a respected investigator for nearly 20 years. He was famous for his undercover work in the gambling rings of East Texas and tackled numerous murder cases in the surrounding areas and states. Upon his retirement in 1989 Max served as an investigator for the district attorney’s offce in Linden, Texas, completing 45 years of law enforcement service for the State of Texas.

Max was a friend to all that knew him. He never met a stranger and served others and Texas with humility and an undeniable wit. He had that “something special” making people feel at ease no matter the circumstance and could identify with folks from all walks of life. Max was famous for his campfire stories. Many summers he entertained friends and family with exaggerated tales and hair-raising recounts of murder investigations...all delivered in his signature, Max-style.

Max leaves behind a wonderful legacy and a family that loved him dearly. His descendants are sprinkled with bits and pieces of his personality, demeanor, leadership, and charisma and will carry on his name with pride.

The state of Texas is a better place because of Max Womack. Max’s family takes great comfort in knowing he is now reunited with his son, Bryan. It is certain they have already played the back nine and engaged in their regular prankster antics.

He was preceded in death by his son, Bryan Womack and his parents.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Wanda Womack of Atlanta, Texas; two daughters, Margaret McWilliams and husband Marc of Longview, Texas, Diane Belyeu and husband Jeremy of Aledo, Texas; his daughter-in-law, Melissa Cain of Addis, Louisiana; eight grandchildren, Jonathan Womack and wife Emily, Jennifer Womack, Jackson Slaid, Matt McWilliams and wife Kelly, Macy McWilliams, Max Belyeu, Owen Belyeu and Sam Belyeu; two great-grandchildren, Reese McWilliams, Walker McWilliams; and a number of other relatives.

Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, October 17, 2020 at Queen City Cemetery, under the direction of Hanner Funeral Service with Jon McCormack, Luke Nickerson and Tom Hooten offciating.

Max’s family would like to thank the many friends and family that assisted in his care in his last days, especially Hands of Wisdom and Transcend Hospice.

Guest registry is available at www.hannerfuneralservice.com