Woody was born on September 26, 1934 in Mobile, Alabama to Woodrow Thompson Fail, Sr. and Laura Virginia Gould Fail. He graduated from San Jacinto High School in Houston, TX in 1954 and soon after joined the Air Force. Over the course of his distinguished military career, Woody was stationed at various posts across the United States and Europe, proudly serving his country. Having retired from the Air Force, he continued to serve his country as a federal service employee in Washington, D.C.
After retiring from public service, Woody settled in Conroe, Texas, where he became a devoted member of his community and church. He sponsored golf tournaments at the Panorama Village Golf Club, sang in the choir at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, and officiated at golf tournaments for the Texas Golf Association. Golf was more than a pastime for Woody; it was a passion. He especially loved teaching young people the rules and mechanics of the game he loved so much. On any nice day, Woody was quick to suggest, “Let’s go hit some balls,” or invite someone for a ride around the course to see who was playing.
Woody also served as a rules official and co-authored A Guide to Being a Golf Rules Official with Jason Smith, sharing his deep knowledge and commitment to the integrity of the sport.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow Fail, Sr. and Laura Fail, infant brother Everett Fail, and his son, Woodrow Fail, III.
Woody is survived by his loving wife, Bobbie Fail, children Cindy and Toran Hostbjor, Christina Ostergren, Lisa and Jim Malouin, and Anthony and Heidi Fail, his stepchildren David and Tonia Olson, Chuck and Jan Olson, and Leslie and David Janac, along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A funeral will take place on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 10:00 am at Cashner Funeral Home in Conroe, TX. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. before funeral services. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Panorama Golf Club in Woody’s name.
Woody will be remembered for his kindness, leadership, unwavering spirit, and love of golf—but most of all, for the love he gave to his family, friends, and community.
