Anderson, IN - Life has been described as what happens between the maternity ward and the morgue. It's fitting then that Joe Womack took students to both. He wanted the students he taught, over 15,000 at Louisiana Tech, Grambling State, and Anderson (College) University, to have an intuitive understanding early in life of what is most important - to fill the space between birth and death with service to others and finding joy in everyday life.

As a professor of Sociology and Social Work he spoke of the inherent worth and dignity of all humanity while living out his words in retirement fighting against food insecurity as a volunteer at the Park Place Church of God food pantry. He embraced radical simplicity rather than chasing fortune, fame, or power. His hands were dirtied by tended soil growing vegetables in his garden and African Violets inside, understanding that both required different conditions for thriving. Humor was non-negotiable as was the "time value of money" principle in saving for the future. It has been said that the sins of the fathers follow for generations. Joe was proof that the reverse is also true. Through humility, generosity, faith, empathy, and service he left a legacy of altruism in that space between his birth in Winn Parrish, Louisiana, on June 16, 1936 and his death on February 20, 2026 in Anderson, Indiana.

Joe is survived by his wife, Jacquie (Sellers) of 24 years; daughter, Joanna (Rod) Jamison of Chattanooga, Tennessee; son, Paul (Kim) Womack of Bradenton, Florida; daughter, Kathryn (Tim) States of Anderson, Indiana; stepson, Brian (Tracy) East of Raleigh, North Carolina; grandchildren, Parker (Claire), Elliot (Rachel), Emilee (Jacob Sprague) Womack, Laura and Anna Jamison, Graeme (Emily) and Caroline States, Noah (Lauren), Abbie, Deborah, Joshua East; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie and Leona Womack; brother, Jack; sister, Janice; and wife, Anita (Smith) of 42 years.

Joe's family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the staff at Sugarfork Crossing for their love and care over the last two years.

A Celebration of Life service will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, at Park Place Church of God with visitation two hours prior.

Memorial contributions may be made to Park Place Church Food Pantry or the Joe K. and Anita S. Womack Endowed Fund at Anderson University.

Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com.