Richard Eugene Womack, 68, a resident of Silver City, N.M., formerly of Moline, died Friday, Dec. 25, 2015, at Mesilla Valley Hospice, La Posada, N.M.

He was the son of Paul W. Womack and Veronica Miller (Womack) Willis. Richard was born May 22, 1947, in Dayton, Ohio.

Richard was an Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War. He served two tours of duty as a munitions specialist and earned the rank of sergeant.

Richard graduated from Moline High School in 1965. He later graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in geology. He worked on the Alaskan pipeline and as a geologist on oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.

Richard was an avid reader, writer and philosopher. He particularly enjoyed reading and studying the Bible. He also loved painting and collecting natural artifacts.

Survivors include his mother, Veronica Willis, Marion, Ill.; brothers, James Womack (Jan), Murphysboro, Ill., Earl Womack (Sandy), Frostproof, Fla., Jeff Womack (Sheri), Davenport; sister-in-law, Peg Womack, Moline; and many nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, Paul W. Womack; brothers, Paul K. Womack and Lee Womack; and sister-in-law, Diane Womack.

A memorial to celebrate Richard's life will be held at a later date in Rogers, Ark.