Marvin R. Woodall III known by all as Woody, passed away peacefully January 29, 2019. Originally from Atlanta, Ga., Woody was a star athlete at North Fulton High School playing football, baseball and basketball. Even though he was offered a professional contract with the St. Louis Cardinals, he chose to play football at Auburn University where he was a record setting place kicker. After Auburn, he signed with the Dallas Cowboys, but his career was cut short due to injury. Woody returned to Atlanta briefly to teach and coach high school football but soon found a career in golf. In 1965 he joined the staff at East Lake Country Club in Atlanta. That same year he played in 4 PGA events, making the cut in each event. In December 1966, Woody married his love, Charlotte Cavender and moved to Birmingham, Al. working at Vestavia Hills Country Club. He was then drafted into the Army serving in Vietnam earning a Purple Heart and Army Commendation Medal. Upon his return, the Woodall’s moved to Tuscaloosa assuming the head golf professional position at Indian Hills Country Club where Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant was a member. In 1975, Woody became the Director of Golf at the Country Club of Mobile, serving faithfully for 33 years. Woody acted as the chairman of the International Four Ball Tournament in Scotland from 1981 – 2006, taking teams each year to play on legendary courses in the birthplace of golf. Over his career in golf, Woody has received a plethora of awards from both the PGA and Alabama Golf Association. As a culmination of his career achievements, Woody was inducted into the Dixie Section of the PGA Hall of fame in 2002 and the Mobile Sports Hall of Fame in 2015. More important than any award or achievement, was Woody’s special gift as a mentor and coach. He will be remembered for his impeccable character, good humor, and lasting impact on the countless lives he touched. Well played, Woody. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Charlotte, children Wendy Woodall Rodgers (Kevin), Marvin “Bo” R. Woodall IV (Kristi), grandchildren Robert Taylor Shelton, Elizabeth Grace Rodgers, Ashley Charlotte Rodgers, brothers Tim Woodall (Nancy) and Steve Woodall (Tricia) both of Atlanta and a host of nieces and nephews. Services will be held Tuesday, February 5 at Springhill Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am and service at 12:00 pm. Interment at Alabama State Veterans Memorial Cemetery at Spanish Fort. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation or the charity of your choice.
