Greg's love language was the giving and receiving of nicknames, his included Coach, Willie, Buck & Thundar, to name a few. As family and friends, we all know our nicknames. He loved his wife, Penny, his girls, Hannah and Holly with all his heart. He impacted their lives with his strength and honor. In the early hours on November 1, 2022, Gregory Scott Wilson, aged 63, peacefully passed away following a fierce battle of cancer at the Alexander Cohen Hospice House.
Greg was born on May 6, 1959 to Oz and Carolyn Wilson in Lodi, California, the youngest of the 3 Wilson boys. He graduated from Lodi High in 1977. Following high school Greg got his AA degree from San Joaquin Delta College, and went on to get his BA in Physical Education, minor in Psychology at Chico State. He received his Masters in Special Education from University of the Pacific.
Greg was a family man with complete devotion to his wife of 27 years Penny. Together they raised 2 beautiful, smart, amazing, and athletic daughters, Hannah aged 20 and Holly aged 16. Their favorite family times were annual trips to Seabright Beach, La Grange Rodeo and especially Donner Lake where the Wilson family enjoyed hiking, barbequing, fishing, playing in the snow and sitting by the fire pit in rain or shine.
To his children he passed on his love of music, especially 70's rock and country music. He taught his kids to "Dance with the wall flowers, make new friends and be kind to kids with special needs."
Greg loved sports and spent his 36-year career as a special education and physical education teacher at Beyer HS in Modesto, Ca. He coached for over 40 years. Be it his girls' soccer and basketball teams, or the high school football, baseball, or track teams, he was always coaching. His motto for his teams was to "Pour your heart out. Leave everything on the field or in the pool, give it 110%"
He was a man's man, and a man of his word. A handshake was as good as a contract. Greg integrated St. John's Episcopal Church into his family's lives. He carried on Oz's love for the church by being an acolyte, usher, vestry member, caring for the rose garden and working the grill for the Men's BBQ group. He loved sharing a cigar and a beer out by the fire pit with his brother, friends and neighbors.
Greg was predeceased by his parents and his oldest brother Randolph Austin Wilson. He is survived by his wife Penny, daughters Hannah and Holly, older brother Dan A. Wilson of Lodi, and Margo (Randy), Nina, Eva and Jeroen Wilson of Phoenix.
Greg's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2022 at 1:00, St. John's Episcopal Church,1055 S Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi, Ca. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are appreciated for Hannah and Holly Wilson's College Fund. Make checks payable to:
"American Funds."
c/o Penny Wilson
PO Box 893
Woodbridge, Ca. 95258

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Lodi-News Sentinel from Nov. 22 to Nov. 29, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Greg Wilson

Sponsored by Lodi Funeral Home, Inc..

11 Entries

Jewel

July 29, 2025

Mr wilson was my pe teacher at beyer my sophomore year and also had my mom in his class. he was one of my
favorite teachers i had the pleasure of having.

Alex Munden

December 15, 2022

Mr. Wilson was my track coach all 4 years of high school and every track season was such a blast with him as the head/sprint coach. He quite literally was the reason I kept running track throughout my high school career. He was a staple of many memories I have of high school and he will be missed dearly. RIP Coach Wilson.

Wood

December 4, 2022

Later Will! My tobacco and cologne are safe! Will was my coach 87-90 for football and baseball. Later he had both my son´s for PE! He made my laugh and my boys RIP I have few stories on him ! Gone to soon

AnnaMarie Rivieccio

November 30, 2022

Sounds like Mr. Wilson blessed a lot of students whom he taught. Was a good example to his daughters. Condolence to your family for your loss and pain losing such a giving man.

Brenda (Fontana) Turner-Elwess 1993

November 30, 2022

Coach Wilson profoundly influenced the students of Beyer to give their best on the field, in the classroom and as a human being. Thank you for making me a better student and a better educator.

Jerod Havel

November 28, 2022

He was my JV baseball coach. We had many good laughs. He had that easy going mentality, but wasn´t afraid to kick you in the butt when needed. So sorry to hear of his passing. Condolences to the family.

jan luiz

November 28, 2022

such a good man and coach! Coached Pop Warner with my husband, RIP
Jan Luiz

Constance

November 27, 2022

The nicest drill sgt. you could ever have (for P.E.) and a softy under that hard shell. Always looking out for the underdog. He let you know when something didn´t feel right or if someone was being treated unfairly. RIP Coach Wilson/GOAT!!!!

Cynthia Horn

November 27, 2022

Coach Wilson always had a great nickname for students. Mine was "honk your horn" or just "Honk". I was his TA for bodybuilding my senior year. When he got engaged he knew I was an artist as he had come to my campus art shows. I spent many an hour in the boys locker room addressing his wedding invitations with my calligraphy. One day, the bell rang before I could get out of there, and all the boys came in and started showering. Coach Cornwell and Coach Wilson quickly drew the blinds and had me wait in the staff bathroom much to my disappointment!.

Another time, I was driving down the free way and I saw this coffee mug on the dash of the car next to me. I instantly recognized it, as I carried it for him during class each morning. I waved and he started honking his horn and shouted "Hi Honk!!" He was so awesome. He really cared about the students and brought so much joy to his job. He was an inspiration for me to become a teacher and I wish I had gotten the chance to tell him thank you. My deepest condolences to his family.

Lily Ayers

November 27, 2022

I´m sorry to hear about Mr. Wilson´s passing! I had him for PE my freshmen year at Beyer and he was one of my favorite PE teachers! I remember him saying Wah! to other students that would complain about things and I say that to my own kids now. My maiden last name was Rafael, but he called me Ralph and that nickname stuck with me for years with my friends. Mr. Wilson, you will be missed.

Melissa ( Stice) Prescott

November 27, 2022

My condolences to the family. I had Mr. Wilson as a teacher and he gave me a couple of nicknames as well. He sure was a great teacher. He will surly be missed and always remembered.

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