Marion Reese Womack

I am Sammy Woodard and I am Marion’s uncle. It may sound a bit strange to have a nephew a year older than me, but that is a fact. Because of family issues, Marion and I grew up together and trust me, we were just like brothers. We did everything together. Marion had pretty good vision as a youngster and one of my fondest memories was selling newspapers for The Gallatin Examiner on the streets of Gallatin with him. We would sell maybe 50 papers one day a week and if lucky, make $3. When we had all that money in our pockets, we would head to a place with a pinball machine doing our best to win more money. It never happened. One of the stories Marion loved to tell was how my mother always asked me how much money I made. I would do my best to cover the fact that I put my earnings in a pinball machine, and she would shake her head saying “Sammy works all after noon to make some money and then throws it away.” She was a wise mother and knew what was going on. Marion would stand there with a sheepish grin as mother belittled me. When he told this story he would always say, “the only reason I didn’t get her tongue lashing was because she never asked me how much I made and how much I brought home.” His mind was a computer, especially when it came to math and investing was a gift that he used quite well. He loved his family and Vanderbilt University sports, he was a fan to the end. I live in Oklahoma and because of all the aches and pains of a 83 year old I will not be able to make it to his funeral. I can’t fully describe the love and respect I had for Marion I will simply say he was extraordinary in every way. While he could not see things around him he never lost his vision of things that matter. To say I loved him is an under statement. We were indeed as one. Rest in peace my BROTHER you are totally pain free. God bless you and all of our memories.

I am Barbara Snow(Manor)and Marion was my first boss when I was in high school and I took coop back in 1969.He was a very nice man to have worked for.Amy I am so very sorry for your loss .

I never saw Marion as a man with a disability, but as a man with many abilities. He never let his lack of vision hold him back or define him. He was determined and self-driven. Growing up, I was always amazed that every year when I came to Nashville, he would hug me and tell me how much I had grown.
I’ve always loved hearing my dad tell stories about him and Marion growing up together — and those stories often led to some good belly laughs! One year, something was said and Marion made a muscle with his arm and said, “Boy, hop up there and crow.” My boys had never heard that before. They’re grown men now, but they still remember that moment and laugh about it.
Even when I was younger, it was always evident to me that Marion adored Marie and Amy.
To my family in Tennessee, whom I love so very much from afar — I’m holding you close to my heart and lifting you up in prayer as you say “see you later” to your brother, dad, grandpa, and uncle.