A focus of Tony's life was his desire to be of service to people. It was one of the reasons he went to work for the Red Cross and then on to provide security for entities dedicated to helping people.
It was also why he coached basketball, football and boxing at a North Philadelphia recreation center. He felt a need to show youngsters the value of sports as a way to fulfill themselves as citizens.
"He would do anything for anyone," said his wife, the former Kimberly Carey. "If you needed something, he would be there."
Among the challenges that Tony faced was how to live happily with as many as 10 children in a house with one bathroom.
"We finally moved to a house with three bathrooms, and that was a lot better," his wife said.
She had six children when they married in 2010, and he had seven. Not all 13 were present at the same time, but enough were to make a loving but complicated situation. Eight were girls.
"He would say to his son Kevin: 'Come on, let's go to our men's cave and leave these women,' " his wife said. "But he was known for his dedication to his family. He was an amazing father."
Tony was born in North Philadelphia to LeRoy Womack, a Philadelphia police officer, and Evelyn Spearman. He attended John Bartram High School, where he excelled in sports.
While singing in a church choir as a teen, Tony was recruited by the gospel group Resurrected. He and his brother, Rodney, formed and managed another group, the EverReady Gospel Singers.
His favorite song was "Don't Get Left Behind":
I would love to show you
If you'll try to understand
You need someone to lead you
To the heaven in your hands ...
Don't get left behind.
"He was all about giving back," his wife said. "That's why he was a coach. It was why he worked for the Red Cross.
"He was a very special man. He had the best sense of humor. He always tried to make people laugh."
Besides his wife and son Kevin, he is survived by five daughters, Phenise Stanford, Tonisha Womack, Angelique Womack, Pecola Womack and Aigner Womack; another son, James Anthony Davis; three stepdaughters, Krystie Smoot, Kaitlin Yarnall and Alyssa Yarnall; three stepsons, Justin Smoot, Ian Smoot and Kenny Yarnall; and seven grandchildren.
Services: Memorial service 11 a.m. Saturday at Episcopal Church of Our Savior, Homestead and Old York roads, Jenkintown. Eugene & the Voices of Glory will perform.
Contact John F. Morrison at morrisj@phillynews.com or 215-854-5573.
