William Thomas (W.T.) Womble

Military Officer and Attorney

William Thomas (W.T.) Womble was born on January 1, 1943, in Morse, Texas, and has led a life marked by a strong sense of duty, achievement, and commitment to his community. Tom graduated from Hardin-Simmons University in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science degree. While at Hardin-Simmons, Tom was an active and engaged student, participating in many campus organizations, including the Tau Alpha Phi social club and Student Congress. He also served as a member of the Battalion Staff of the HSU ROTC, a role that highlighted his leadership skills. His academic and extracurricular achievements were recognized when he was named to “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities,” a prestigious honor that celebrated his academic excellence. Reflecting on his time as an HSU Cowboy, Tom fondly remembered the strong sense of camaraderie. He said, “I think the best memories I have are of the friends and professors I was blessed to meet. There was always an open feeling on the 40-acres and everyone seemed open to visiting with and getting to know everyone else. Yes, the professors wanted us to learn their subject; but, they also wanted us to learn about life.” This sentiment reflects the lasting impact that his time at Hardin-Simmons made on his life.

After earning his degree, Tom served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1967, where he achieved the rank of Captain. During his military service, Captain Womble earned the Army Commendation Medal for “distinguishing himself by exceptionally meritorious performance of duty while assigned as a member of the U.S. Army Security Agency.” His service in the military not only demonstrated his dedication to his country but also played a significant role in shaping his life and future. Following his military service, Tom pursued a legal career, graduating in 1971 near the top of his class from the Texas Tech University School of Law in Lubbock, where he also served as editor-in-chief of the Law Review. His legal training prepared him for a distinguished career in law, where he would leave an indelible mark.

Upon completing his law degree, Tom gained diverse professional experience. He worked with the Atena Life Insurance Company in Austin and served as a Law Clerk for U.S. District Judge William T. Steger in Beaumont before moving to Houston, where he was employed in the trial department of the prestigious Baker and Botts law firm. In 1988, Tom became the founding president of Womble and Spain, a law firm based in Houston, where he represented railroad and shipping clients, specializing in the Jones Act. His expertise also extended to representing clients in the manufacturing and oil and gas exploration and production sectors. Tom’s legal career was characterized by his commitment to delivering exceptional service to his clients with complex, high-stakes legal matters.

Tom’s extensive experience in law and his commitment to his profession led to his involvement in numerous professional organizations. He was an active member of the Texas and Houston Bar Associations and Foundations, the American Board of Trial Advocates, and the Product Liability Advisory Council. He also served as vice president of the National Association of Railroad Trial Counsel in addition to being a sought-after speaker, frequently lecturing at conferences and seminars sponsored by the State Bar of Texas Committee on Continuing Legal Education.

Throughout his life, Tom has maintained a strong connection to his alma mater, Hardin-Simmons University. In 1995, he was honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of his achievements. Tom served on the HSU Board of Trustees from 2004 to 2008 and again in 2021. He also served on the HSU Board of Development from 2009 to 2020 and was an active member of the School of Music Foundation, demonstrating his enduring commitment to the university’s growth and success.

Tom’s personal life has been equally fulfilling with his loving wife, Mary Jane (Horton), whom he married on July 23, 1965. Mary Jane, a fellow 1965 graduate of Hardin-Simmons, has been his partner in life. Together, they have built a strong, close-knit family. The Womble family is also deeply involved in their community, being active members of Houston’s Second Baptist Church. Tom and Mary Jane have three children: Jennifer, Will, and Seth, as well as six grandchildren. Tom often shares how much Mary Jane has meant to him, saying, “From the day we married, my life has been blessed over and over again. Through thick and thin, good or bad, Mary Jane has been there. She is the reason for every good thing in my life.” The love and support of his family have been central to Tom’s success in life.

In summary, William Thomas Womble is a man whose life has been marked by exceptional achievements in both his professional career and personal life. From his leadership at Hardin-Simmons University to his distinguished military service, from his successful legal career to his dedication to his family and community, Tom’s life is a testament to hard work, service, and love.

For his distinguished military service and remarkable legal career, Hardin-Simmons proudly inducts Tom (W.T) Womble into the HSU Hall of Leaders.