Wilbur 'Woody' Hazlewood

W. T. "Woody" Hazlewood, who loved God, his family and the Angleton Wildcats, died Friday, January 9, at the age of 93. Wilbur Truman Hazlewood was born December 13, 1921, in Acadia Parish, LA, the youngest of six children born to Samuel Garrett and Emma LeDoux Hazlewood. He was predeceased by his parents and siblings Era, Audrey, Faye, Judson and Lowell. He is survived by Ruth Aldredge Hazlewood, his wife of 69 years, and his children, Judy Felder (Jim), of Katy; Joe Hazlewood (Terri) of San Antonio, Steve Hazlewood (Susan) of Angleton and Andy Hazlewood of Nacogdoches; grandchildren Anna Myrick, Jessica Hazlewood, Jonathan Hazlewood, Katie Hazlewood, Sam Hazlewood, Michael Felder, Deborah Moore and great-grandchildren Taylor Daspit, Hollyn Myrick, Brandon Felder, Sarah DeBord, Drew Moore and Wesley Moore and great-great grandchild Isaiah Felder. Following graduation from high school in Eunice, LA, Woody worked in the Beaumont and Houston areas until August 18, 1942 when he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. During World War II he served in the 7th Air Force Command, achieving the rank of Sergeant, in the central Pacific theatre. He and Ruth married October 21, 1945 in Lufkin, Ruth's home town. Following his discharge they moved to Kingsville where he attended Texas A&I. They moved to Clute in 1950 when Woody began working at Dow's Freeport facility. The next year they moved to Angleton and purchased a home on Farrer Street where they lived with their children until moving to Buchta Road in 1974. An article published in 1993, THE ANGLETON TIMES reported that Woody was being named Angleton's No. 1 Fan at the Wildcats' all-sports banquet and he subsequently received a framed varsity letter at a school board meeting. Sports - especially following Angleton athletes, playing golf or dominos - provided pleasure to Woody until his declining health prevented him from venturing far from home. But for more than 50 years he was active serving in a variety of roles from coach to timekeeper, on-field official, and riding team buses on road trips to provide a constant encouragement to the young athletes. The late Phil Reynolds, who was AHS head basketball coach, told The Angleton Times that "Woody never has anything negative to say about the kids or the coaches. He's always pulling real hard for Angleton and after a game he always has something positive to say." The plaque given to Woody designating him as AHS's number 1 fan was prominently displayed on a wall of the Hazlewood home, alongside the golf scorecard from the first time he shot his age. Shortly before his death he received a letter in which his youngest son, Andy, wrote to him describing his father's commitment to young athletes. "You are an amazing man who has had a positive impact on hundreds of people over your 90 plus years on this earth. To this very day when I see friends from the past, one of the first things they ask is ‘how is your dad?' or ‘how's Woody?' "Be proud of the impact you have had on so many lives. You are loved and respected by so many people. I'm so proud to call Woody Hazlewood my dad!' The letter had been framed and was ready to be mounted on the wall of Woody's room when he died. The family expresses deep appreciation for the loving care provided by Liz Flint, Jeanie McDonald and Maria Ibarra. Honorary pallbearers are the members of the Adult 6 Sunday School Class, the members of the Original City Drug Domino Group and the members of the Angleton Actions Domino Group. Funeral services are being arranged by Palms Funeral Home. A viewing and visitation is scheduled for Monday January 12, 2015 at First Baptist Church, 237 East Locust Street Angleton, Texas from 6 pm to 8 pm. The funeral service will be held Tuesday January 13, 2015 at First Baptist Church at 1 pm with graveside services to follow. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Woody's honor to the Angleton Athletics Booster Club. Contacts: Steve Hazlewood, 979-236-1878 or Judy Hazlewood, 713-859-7388 Provide comfort for the family by planting a tree in memory of Wilbur "Woody" Hazlewood , please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store. Visitation Monday, January 12th, 2015 6:00pm - 8:00pmService Information Tuesday, January 13th, 2015Interment Location Angleton Cemetery 328 Cemetery Rd. Angleton, TX 77515