MARK MCGEE

Staff Writer

How do you describe a life? Particularly one that has lasted 95 years.

In the case of David Womack, Sr., the words to describe him are almost as numerous as his years – farmer, innovator, leader world traveler, visionary, businessman, carpenter, Christian, father and husband to name a few.

Earlier this week Womack celebrated 95 years on this earth. It was a simple affair with Joye, his wife of 75 years, his daughter Marilyn and son David. Jr., along with caregiver Jennifer Cotton. Italian cream was the traditional birthday cake of choice. Adding to the celebration was a visit from Parks Wells and his wife, Janet, who are associated with Womack through soybeans.

“It is always Italian cream,” Joye said. “Dana Rodriguez bakes it for him.”

Womack met Joye in high school when she was sophomore at Shelbyville Central. He knew from the first look that she was the one he wanted to spend his life with and that is exactly what he has done.

“She had long red hair and a nice figure,” Womack said. “That was it for me.”

He started his farming career raising corn, but he switched to soybeans and became one of the leaders in the growth of soybeans and their variety of uses. He worked over 1,000 acres. Quite a career for someone who wanted to be a doctor but being the oldest of six boys, he found paying for college to be too much of a challenge.

His children live near him. Marilyn checks on her parents every day to see what they need. David. Jr., who followed his father’s footsteps by becoming an award-winning corn farmer, brings breakfast each morning. They have two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

In the early 1990s, he was one of the farmers who believed that soybeans could one day be an alternative fuel. He believed so strongly that he switched from corn to soybeans as his primary crop.

“He is Mr. Soybean,” said Joye. “He is a born leader. He has done a lot, but he never brags about it.

“When he was 86 he made a trip to China to promote soybeans. He had a special business card he brought with him to China. He has been almost all over the world promoting the soybean business. He is really well known in Washington, D.C.”

His history with the agricultural product strongly supports her statement. In 2014, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Soybean Association in San Antonio, Texas, for his service.

“In addition to advocating for traditional agriculture, David is a founder of the U.S. biodiesel industry,” wrote Donnell Rehagen, then CEO of the National Biodiesel Board. “His strong leadership, unwavering patience and commitment helped to lay the foundation for an emerging industry. It wasn’t easy in those early days. David stood strong through a lengthy process investing in the technical and other work necessary.

“Biodiesel not only adds value to agriculture and soybeans _ producing a boost to the rural economy – but also improves our environment and creates jobs. Thanks to David, the future is bright for the U.S. biodiesel industry which he helped build from the ground up.”

His agricultural leadership has been evident in his work with the Tennessee Farm Bureau, serving as president; the Tennessee Soybean Association and the Tennessee Farmers’ Cooperative where he also was a president.

In addition to soybeans, he has also been involved in raising beef cattle. He also worked dairy cattle where he crossed paths with Joye at times.

Outside of agriculture, he was also a previous president of the Bedford County Historical Society and the board of directors for Bedford County Bank. He is a veteran of the Korean War where he served in the Air Force.

“He is sharp as a cat and still witty,” said Jennifer, who has been working with the Womacks for a year. “He is great.”