Ralph W. Womer, Jr.

Born April 14, 1944 in Baltimore, MD; and passed away May 3, 2021 at home in his treasured Auburn, AL.

Ralph moved to Birmingham in 1951, and at the age of 19, married his childhood sweetheart, Carol Ann Colee.  Ralph and Carol recently celebrated 57 years of marriage.

Ralph began his studies at Auburn University in the summer of 1962, earning a BS degree in the spring of 1966 and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in the spring of 1969. He earned an early commission in the Veterinary Medical Service Corps in 1968. 

Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a Captain in the Army Veterinary Corps, where he was in charge of Veterinary Services in Mineral Wells, TX with the Primary Helicopter Corps at Fort Wolters until 1972. Once discharged from the Veterinary Corps, Ralph worked briefly for a local veterinarian in Auburn and then later with Auburn University Veterinary School as an instructor of small animal surgery. Having still not accomplished his desire to own a veterinary practice, he opened the Village Veterinary Clinic in 1973, with the help of his entire family. He later opened an extension of this clinic called the Cat Cottage. Ralph was often called the “Cat Whisperer” due to his ability to treat even the feistiest of felines with the utmost care.  There was not an animal that Ralph didn’t treat with respect and compassion. He sold both practices in April of 1999.

Ralph then performed veterinary relief work services all over Alabama for 8 years, while also doing small animal veterinary practice inspections for the State of Alabama from. Capitalizing on the growth occurring in the Auburn area, he co-founded Moores Mill Animal Hospital in December of 2006. He held his many veterinary positions while staying very active in the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association, having served as president of this organization. Finally, Ralph and Carol decided to retire completely in 2009 and spent many years traveling all over the world.

He also volunteered with too many local charities to mention.  He developed a passion (some would say obsession) with the game of golf that dated back to his days as a youngster caddying for pocket money at a municipal golf course in Birmingham. In the final years of his life, he was able to shoot his age at this life-long game he loved so much. He also shared Master Gardener status with Carol, and up until the time of his death, was actively working on their backyard garden, which they both cherished.

Ralph was predeceased by his parents, Ralph Walter Womer, Sr. and Lucille Orpha Rothrock Womer, and his sister, Valerie Lou Womer.

He leaves behind his wife, Carol, and his children, Dr. Karl Lee Womer (Uraiwan Akanit), of Denver and Adrienne Nicole (Nikki) Harkins (Jason), of Birmingham.

He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Taylor Harkins Davis (John), Colee Ann Harkins, Friede Nicha Womer, and Kassel Thawin Womer. Of all his accomplishments, he was most proud of becoming “Bapa” and the countless memories he made with them.

The family desires that those who wish to honor his life send a plant to someone they love or have befriended.  Also, donations may be made in his name to your favorite charity.

A visitation will be held Friday May 7, 2021 from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM CDT at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory in Opelika.