Nick D. Woodall

NICK D. WOODALL

            Nick D. Woodall was a well-read man of big ideas who was dearly loved as a husband, father, son, brother, teacher, friend, and follower of Jesus Christ.  Born in Ladonia, Texas, on April 22, 1956, Nick was the first of three sons born to Don Woodall, and Toni Stancil Woodall. The family moved frequently, settling ultimately in Rockwall. Nick graduated from Mesquite High School and attended East Texas State College, now Texas A&M University Commerce. Transferring first to Texas Tech, he had what he called a “Road to Damascus” experience on the way, and changed his major from architecture to law.  He then transferred to Baylor University, where he was awarded a Finance degree and entered law school.

            After graduating with his Juris Doctorate, Nick took a job with Fanning & Harper, a Dallas insurance defense firm, and decided over coffee with local Rockwall officials to run for District Attorney of Rockwall County.  It was at this time that two Southern Methodist University Law students clerking at Fanning & Harper arranged for him to meet their classmate, Nancy. Nick and Nancy were married in the midst of his campaign, a few short months before he became the youngest elected prosecutor in the State of Texas.  After one very eventful term as District Attorney that included death threats to his growing family, Nick left politics for private practice. Several years later he left law practice for financial planning, which he then left to pursue oil and gas services and development, real estate, and other investments with two of his good friends.  

            Nick and Nancy chose a “road less traveled” and educated their four children at home.  Surrounded by a small but strong community of other home school families at LakePointe Church, the family enjoyed the adventures of learning and serving together, often in church ministries and missions.  Nick served as an elder at LakePointe, taught several classes, and led or participated in trips to China and Ghana, usually accompanied by at least one of his children. He and his family also were affiliated for a few years with the church alternately known as Emmaus and Reach.

            Nick died on May 21, 2020, and was not afraid. Nick’s hope in life and death was not in his own education, works, or accomplishments, but in the finished work that his Jesus accomplished at the cross. His trust that his Heavenly Father accepted him fully, and loved him deeply motivated his many pursuits in life, and gave him courage in the uncertainty of the last few months.

            Nick is survived by his wife, Nancy, to whom he was married for 38 years; his daughter Katherine Woodall Simonitch and husband Lucas of Eau Claire; his sons Thomas Woodall of Dallas, Stephen Woodall of New York City, and Jonathan Woodall of Poetry; his grandchildren Owen, Lillian, and Evelyn Simonitch; his mother Toni Woodall; his brother Gregg Woodall and wife Amy of New Braunfels; his niece Emma Woodall; his nephew Caslin Woodall; and various relatives on his wife’s side of the family.  His father Don Woodall and brother Ken Woodall predeceased him.  Nick is buried in the Pecan Gap Cemetery and his life has been celebrated fully but untraditionally in keeping with the limitations of the pandemic. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Compassion International or The Poiema Foundation..  

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