R. Lynn Womack

Robert Lynn Womack (Lynn), 70, of Salem, VA, passed gently during the early morning hours of March 4, 2022. Known for his enduring optimism, unwavering kindness, and quick wit, Lynn was guided through life by his devotion to God, family, and the Boy Scouts. Born in Lynchburg on March 13, 1951, Lynn was brought up in Fairfax by his father, Robert Burns (Sonny) and Barbara Ann (neé Jennings) Womack, alongside his sister, Linda Sandridge, and brother, Tom Womack. He began his journey with scouting in 1959 as a Cub Scout, continued into Boy Scouts, and notably earned the rank of Eagle Scout at age 15 in 1967. In his high school years, Lynn can be remembered rocking the guitar in his band, Lemon Blue, and singing lead on Motown covers. He headed to Blacksburg in 1969, majoring in business at Virginia Tech and serving as Vice President of Sigma Phi Epsilon. During his matriculation, he worked for the Department of the Navy as a co-op student and became a full-time recruiter for the program upon his graduation in 1973.

After a few years, Lynn’s entrepreneurial spirit took hold. Encouraged by his business mentors and friends, John and Jimmie, he discovered a vehicle for his life’s work through Amway and founded Womack Associates International. Using his extraordinary talents, Lynn established thousands of relationships across the country through the business, organizing events that brought people of all walks of life together. His inspiring words and actions helped people find their purpose in life while introducing them to Jesus Christ. The friends and partners he gained through Amway had a continuing impact on him throughout his life. He met Theresa Ann Capaldini at a business function on November 6, 1980, and by December, they were seated at the Roanoke Civic Center to see the Nutcracker Suite on their very first date. They were joined in marriage two years later, on December 18, 1982, at First Baptist Church in downtown Roanoke. Lynn and Theresa settled into their family home in Salem, where they welcomed two sons, Peter in 1986 and Philip in 1988.

In 2000, Lynn was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. Knowing the limitations he would eventually face, he made the conscious decision to back off from his thriving business so he could spend more time with his family. Lynn faced the realities of the disease head-on, shouldering each difficulty presented with an incredible grace and dignity that came from his indomitable spirit and steadfast faith in God. While his body slowed down, his insight into the world grew, and his relationships strengthened. Lynn was a great converser and an even better listener. He was generous and careful in the advice he gave and was an expert at making a person laugh when they needed it most.

Forever a Boy Scout and ready to pass on his wisdom to his own children and others, Lynn served as an adult leader for Pack 51 and Troop 51 at First United Methodist Church in Salem. As Scoutmaster, he led them through years of adventures and had the distinct pleasure of seeing Peter and Philip earn their Eagle Scout ranks. Lynn continued serving for the rest of his life, becoming the Chairman of the Eagle Scout Board of Review for the Blue Ridge Mountains Council from 2010-2014, and then Eagle Scout Commissioner. He presided over 653 Eagle Scout Boards of Review, helping build a new generation of Scouts in his community, including seven girls in the newly formed Scouts of America. He was honored with the prestigious Silver Beaver Award in 2013, given to those who implement the Scouting program and perform community service through hard work, self-sacrifice, dedication, and many years of service.

Lynn is survived by his wife, Theresa; son, Peter (Megan) and grandson, Ren; son, Philip (Elizabeth) and grandson, Henry; sister, Linda Sandridge; brother, Tom Womack; many nieces, nephews, and faithful friends; and the thousands of Scouts he guided throughout his years serving in the Blue Ridge Mountains Council.

A celebration of life service will be held on April 2, 2022 at 11 A.M. at Fellowship Community Church in Salem, VA. In lieu of flowers, Lynn’s family requests donations in his honor are made to the Blue Ridge Mountains Council of the Boy Scouts of America or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

Blue Ridge Mountains Council - Donate

Michael J. Fox Foundation - Donate

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