Michael W. Wood

In the early hours of Tuesday, the 18th of November 2025, Michael W. Wood passed away peacefully at home with his wife, Laurie, and daughter, Ava, by his side. His wife, four daughters, family and friends surrounded him with endless love, support, favorite tunes, jokes (always appropriate, of course), laughter, hymns, prayers and tears until he hung his hat for the last time after his stoic, tireless and brave battle. He was 80 years of age.

Michael approached his illness with the same tenacity he approached a final drive for the win on the football field. A natural competitor, he fought like a champion, even when he felt as if he couldn’t go on anymore. He gave everything he could to give his family and friends all the time possible with him. We will cherish and be forever grateful for the memories and love with which he provided us until the final whistle.

Michael, “Woody,” “Iron Mike,” “MDub,” was born in Austin on the 11th of September 1945, and was raised in Georgetown, Texas. He spent his childhood growing up in his grandparents’ house with his mother, where his grandfather ignited his passion for hunting, fishing and golfing. He was so proud to be from Georgetown and relished the simplicity, the strong, small community and the unbridled freedom to race all around town with his troop of boys. He spent the afternoons playing sandlot football with his buddies, hiding out in their big fort, or cooling off in the clear waters of the San Gabriel River. In high school, he moved to a ranch in Liberty Hill with his mom and dad where he discovered his lifelong love of horseback riding and learned the fine art of hitchhiking to and from school.

From the beginning, Mike distinguished himself with a rare combination of grit, grace and command. A graduate of Georgetown High School, he finished in the top ten of his class, achieving National Honor Society recognition. Mike lettered in football, basketball, track and golf, while also acting as team captain and earning all-district Texas honors as quarterback. His academic prowess and athleticism, complemented by track star speed, earned him a full scholarship to Rice University where he made the President’s Honor Roll while playing for Jess Neally on the last Rice football team to defeat the University of Texas. Mike then went on to the University of Texas Law School where he made many lifelong friendships – and led the Legal Eagles flag football team to a legendary undefeated, untied, unscored upon season.

Rather than pursue a traditional path with a large firm, Mike chose to build a boutique practice – though ‘boutique’ was never a word he would have used. Together with Win Campbell, John Moody and Robin Gibbs, they formed Wood, Campbell, Moody & Gibbs. The firm was soon recognized for attracting top graduates from major law schools and earning the trust of prominent clients seeking hands-on counsel in contracts, real estate, litigation and tax matters. In addition to his years of private practice, Mike served as Senior Vice President and CEO of Azurix, a water resources company, where he developed and managed the company’s Latin American, Caribbean, and US water resource business. It was during this time, where Mike lived in Mexico City, where he learned the art and appreciation of sipping fine tequila. Later, Mike joined the Jackson Walker law firm and served as Managing Partner of the Houston office, where he had an esteemed career in the Corporate and Securities practice and continued to lead and mentor with distinction.

Mike was, in every sense, a man’s man. In law and in business he was direct, insightful, fiercely competitive, and a formidable negotiator. His hunting companions knew they had better be ready to shoot when the covey flushed. His word was his bond, and his loyalty was unwavering. Over a lifetime, Mike made many friends, and they were friends to the end – a rarity in today’s world.

Perhaps Mike’s greatest strength lay beneath that rugged exterior. Mike was a mentor – a steady and loving father figure - to his little brothers, to his daughters, and to his grandchildren. He believed wholeheartedly in their potential and took immense pride in their achievements – there were no glass ceilings in that house. Friends and colleagues alike sought him out for his judgment, compassion, confidence and inspiring insights whether it be in an office setting or holding court in the locker room.

His commitment to the community was equally strong. Mike supported Rice University programs, mentored college and law students, served on numerous community boards and chaired the fundraising effort for Houston’s Wortham Theater Center. His calm confident presence was welcome everywhere – from the Rio San Diego Hunting Club, to Vaqueros Trail Riders, to Aspen’s Roaring Fork Club, to Houston’s Coronado Club and the River Oaks Country Club where he served as President.

Michael was deeply proud of his family. He was blessed with daughters Lacy, Blair, and Lauren from his marriage to Lela. In 2007, he married Laurie Wheatland, the love of his life, and they welcomed their daughter, Ava, three years later. Michael coached his daughters’ teams and attended countless dance, drama, choir, and sporting events with enthusiasm and devotion.

Michael is survived by his loving wife of eighteen years, Laurie Wheatland Wood; daughter, Ava Elizabeth Wood of Houston, Texas; daughter, Lacy Christine Wood and husband Joel Stone of Santa Fe, New Mexico; daughter, Blair Wood Thrash and husband Scott of Houston, Texas; daughter, Lauren Wood Brady and husband Austin of Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Anita Mae Thrash, True West Thrash, Roscoe Wood Brady, Rufus Bowie Brady, Lela Fern Brady; brother, Joseph Lacy Wood III (Trey), wife Stacey and children Jordan Lynne and Jake Lee of Dallas, Texas; brother, Lee Patterson Wood, wife Glynis and children Taylor Lee and Dylan Elizabeth of Austin, Texas; cousin, Sandra Ray and husband Smith of Houston, Texas.

Michael was preceded in death by his parents: Elizabeth (Nell) Patterson and Joseph L. Wood, Jr., grandparents: Dr. and Mrs. Harley Lee Patterson, and Causey and Thelma Mattox: and infant son Michael.

Laurie and the family wish to recognize and thank Dr. Guillermo Garcia-Manero and Dr. Jay Davis; and Michael’s caregivers Chinyere Orji-Paul, Sophia Azuike, Audrie Akinbobola, Maria Miranda, and Ketcha Ford.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from six o’clock until eight o’clock in the evening on Tuesday, the 2nd of December, in the library and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

A memorial service is to be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Wednesday, the 3rd of December in the sanctuary of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road in Houston, where Dr. Tom Pace, Senior Pastor is to officiate.

Immediately following, all are invited to celebrate his life during a reception at a venue to be announced during the service.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions are welcomed by the family to Rice University Athletics, MS-548, Post Office Box 1892, Houston, Texas 77251; St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Post Office Box 22013, Houston, Texas 77227; or the charity of one’s choice. You may also make memorial contributions in his memory by accessing the link below under 'Donations' in the 'Show your Support' section.

For those unable to attend, you may join via livestream by selecting the “Join Livestream” icon in the service information section. You may also wish to take a moment to share words of comfort and condolence with his family by selecting the “Add a Memory” icon below.