It is with a sad heart that I first learned of the terrible accident that befell my friend Marilee Wood and then went on to take her life. You have no further to look than to the late 90’s in local history to the year 2000 when Wimberley became Incorporated, Marilee was a leader in Wimberley becoming an organized community in more ways than I can or could ever list here. She earned her place in our history and then continued to solidify it in every way possible.
Our relationship began tenuously as both seeking the same Council position in 05’ I lost that contest and I feel the better for it, I had more to learn about good government. She made the first of many overtures to sharing good government, in 10’ she was one if not my strongest advocate to becoming elected.
She had a very clear sense of expression, we never left a discussion where any doubt existed of either of our views or positions. On more than several occasions I might have prevailed on the point or position, but would soon find myself facing more than I expected, she never one time refused my request to help review and find a better solution to the issue at hand. She was a friend and I knew I could trust her.
We served together multiple times as Council members, more committees and boards than I can count. She served to help me get elected and conversely to help my opponent get elected, we never left the day with anything less than full civility and respect toward each other. For or Against, she just brought out the very best in you.
Our City of Wimberley will remain forever by her hard work and inspiration she brought out in everyone she touched, her leadership with Incorporation efforts have passed the test of time, as well her efforts in literally help building a city from scratch, we all enjoy a better Wimberley and way of life because of her unselfish efforts.
Marilee’s didn’t rest on her elected efforts of accomplishments, she had more to do and offer. Blue Hole Regional Park now World acclaimed. Her efforts and leadership paved the way for this park and vision to come into being and its acceptance, her leadership of making the Park a reality is but ONE more of her rich and dedicated legacy to making Wimberley its best.
I will treasure our times together and not let the memories fade, she was that good of a friend.
It is with a healthy sense of humor I recall our first “Candidate Debate” [05’] Marilee was selected to go first, in the opening remarks she mentioned being “magna cum laude” at Rice University in her graduating class, I was still seated, I looked toward Robin and could only smile, try and not let my shaking head and eyes rolled back be seen. My educational resume was micro thin, and no accolades were awarded for my service at the end of an active Runway in Da Nang launching aircraft, I had that burned toast feeling and sense of self. I never caught up, but Marilee never stopped trying to get me caught up.
With a sad heart and keen sense of respect: mac/ mc
Mac McCullough
