He was born in Reeves County, Texas, on October 19, 1936, the son of Clarence Wells Wicker and Eunice Edna Wicker, and the brother of Harold Dean Wicker. Woody graduated from Pecos High School in 1955, and received a business degree from Hardin Simmons University, a private Baptist university, in Abilene, Texas, in 1960.
Woody fell in love with flying as a boy. As a teenager, he flew crop dusters over West Texas cotton fields in an open air cockpit with his dog, Buddy, as his co-pilot. At age 21, he received his commercial pilot license in 1957, followed by his instrument rating in 1958. Upon graduating from university, Woody served as a pilot for the infamous Texas businessman Billie Sol Estes.
Beginning in 1966, and for 24 years, Woody traveled the world as a pilot for Braniff Airlines, retiring in 1990. At Braniff Airlines, Woody met his mentor, chief pilot George Cheetham. George introduced Woody to his daughter, flight attendant Betty Ann Cheetham, and on June 9th, 1969, they were married. One year later, they gave birth to their only child, daughter Brooke Wynne Wicker.
Betty and Woody were married for 20 years, until cancer took Betty from him in 1989 at age 44.
Woody was a life-long fan of the Dallas Cowboys. Some of his proudest moments came while watching his daughter perform in three Super Bowls as a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. According to Woody, the Cowboys won Super Bowls 27, 28, and 30 because his daughter was a good luck charm.
Woody was a proud Texan. His family settled in Texas in 1840, five years before Texas became a state in 1845. He was fond of the saying “American by birth and Texan by the grace of God”. And like many Texans, Woody had the gift of the gab and never met a stranger. You could find him most afternoons at his favorite place, The Diner on Beltline Road, chewing the fat with Tina, Peter, and the staff, whom he adored.
He is survived by his daughter and best friend, Brooke Alexander, his son-in-law Greg Alexander, of Dallas, Texas, and his dog and faithful companion Red.
Woody will be laid to rest beside his wife at Sparkman/Hillcrest Memorial Park on Sunday, October 27th, 2019, at 1:00PM. Immediately following, a reception will be held at Brooke and Greg Alexander's residence located at 4216 Lively Lane Dallas, TX. 75220.
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