Gregory Alan Woolman

Gregory Alan Woolman was born on July 6, 1963, in Flint, Michigan. As an only child in an extended family with many cousins, he spent a lot of time with his grandparents and cousins while growing up. As a child he had fond memories of going with his grandparents.

His mother Joann would often tell the story of a time when they were driving by Lake Superior and Greg insisted, he had to jump in, until finally Jim pulled the car over. Faced with the cold waves, Greg said no. Jim grabbed him by the pants and threw him into the lake, saying they stopped for him to swim. Soaking wet, Greg conceded to a quick swim before heading back to the car.

He always had an interest in mechanics, starting with entry-level positions in GM and auto shops. He started a job as a truck driver, which he enjoyed the most. As a truck driver he could go new places and meet new people - he was good at it.

Greg also worked as a volunteer fire fighter while living in New Lothrop, Michigan. The kids liked playing with his fire equipment and gear and were known for getting into mischief. Once the three eldest (at 5,6 and 7) found every possible liquid and sauce they could get their hands on in the kitchen and combined it with the inner contents of a bean bag. After some twenty minutes of silence, Greg heard giggling and found the three running their tonka trucks through a slime sludge all over the carpet on the floor. The kids weren't allowed carpet after that. But it did help convince the kids that the "snow globe effect" of the bean bags blowing into the vents was the coolest effect ever. Even years later, they were still finding the occasional bean bag coming out of the vents. "Til the day we moved out, essentially."

The children loved watching movies and playing games with their dad when he was home from driving truck. They watched old movies and The Blues Brothers; Westerns was another passion. Greg liked movies and had an encyclopedic memory for trivia.

After Greg and Robin divorced, he continued to drive in Michigan near Houghton Lake for a while. But then Greg went to the south and then California, looking for love and a new passion. He continued driving trucks, sometimes taking the kids on short haul trips, or small deliveries. 

Greg spent many years away, but Michigan was still his heart, and his home. Redwings, Tigers and lions oh my. Nobody else had Kogels or Vernors. He once remarked that coming back to Michigan gave him a chance to reconnect with his inner child, but anyone could see how much he loved his grandkids. He was incredibly proud of his son Joel and the man he had become, following in his footsteps and then surpassing him in his career.

As an outgoing guy, he loved meeting new people and it was often said, you couldn't shut him up. He was always fascinated by those around him. Greg was known for offering advice, usually unsolicited. In his sometimes "Life as a cautionary tale" or AITA stories, Greg would entertain but offer sage wisdom. "Don't sweat the small stuff... and it's all small." 

Greg died on Sunday, September 7, 2025.

He is predeceased by parents, Jim and JoAnn (née Henry) Woolman; grandparents, Lee and Flora (née Pollard) Woolman and Arthur and Lillian Henry; great grandparents, Glen and Norah Pollard.

He is survived by five children: Jason Woolman and wife Jessica; Kyle Woolman and Sarah; Kevin Woolman and Samantha; Jessica (née Woolman) Rickborn and husband Kevin; and Joel Woolman and wife Ashley; and grandchildren Tobin; Johnny and Gwendolyn; Skylar, Cody and Evelyn; and Landen, Bailey, and Abigail.

Private arrangements were entrusted to Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com