It is with deep sorrow, love and much gratitude for a life well lived that the family of Thomas Franklin Womble, III, announces his passing on October 31, 2026, in Tarboro, NC, at the age of 88.

Tom was born in Raleigh, NC and was the oldest son of the late Thomas Franklin Womble, Jr. and Golda Brady Womble. He attended Randolph Macon College and graduated from the Medical College of Virginia School of Pharmacy, serving as a pharmacist in both Virginia and North Carolina with an unwavering commitment throughout his career to provide the best care, with compassion and attention to detail, to customers and families. Many in the community affectionately referred to him as “Doc” Womble and with the preparation and dispensing of medicine, he instilled trust and confidence through helping others and cherishing many friendships he made throughout the years. Tom’s devotion to serving others was not confined to the pharmacy counter but extended well beyond in civic service as a member and Vice Chair of the Edgecombe County Board of Health, member of the William Dorsey Pender Civil War Round Table, volunteer for Meals on Wheels and his favorite, as a reader for the Down East Radio Reading Service for the Visually Impaired. As a generational, lifelong Episcopalian and member of Calvary Episcopal Church, he served the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina as a member of the Diocesan Council, Standing Committee and the Grants Committee.

For those who knew Tom, he will be remembered most of all as the devoted husband and partner of 69 years, to his high school sweetheart, Bette Ballagh Womble. The pair, “Tom and Bette”, when not at church at Calvary Episcopal or at a beloved event on Brandon Avenue with friends, could be seen working in their front lawn but if you had the opportunity to visit their home on Main Street, their labor of love was fully realized in their beautiful backyard garden, truly a haven and oasis for all. Tom is survived by his dear Bette who, for many years, provided unwavering caregiving for Tom as they faced together, a long season of goodbyes due to Alzheimer’s Disease.

Tom is also survived by his biggest fans, “The Womble Kids”, Cheryl (Stuart) Locke, Cathy (Joe) Witte, Tom (Cindy) Womble, brother, John (Beth) Womble, sister in law, Gail Womble, widow of brother William, grandchildren Charles Jr. (Allie) Locke, Taylor (Logan) Shackelford, Audra (Tim) Carver, Karla (Jake) Farrar, Robert Womble and great grandchildren Evey Jo, Hank and Charlie and beloved nieces and nephews.

Tom would have agreed, as he said as much, many times in his life, that 1972 was a special year. This is when Tom’s work brought his young family to Tarboro which became their true home and will remain so, in memory and with the deepest affection.

The family wishes to express their great appreciation for beloved friends and friendships over the years and newfound friends, the kindness of strangers and the exceptional care provided by the Memory Care Unit, Barclay House and Hospice of Wilson.

A Funeral Service will be held at Calvary Episcopal Church, Tarboro, NC at 1 pm on December 11, 2026 with a reception immediately following at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Episcopal Church, 411 East Church St., Tarboro, NC 27886 or Hospice of Wilson, 1901 Tarboro Street SW. Suite 301, Wilson, NC 27893