Warren Oliver Woolsey

In celebration for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of Warren Oliver Woolsey, who departed this world on November 8, 2025, at the age of 94. Born in Detroit on June 19, 1931, Warren more fondly remembered his youth in Jonesville, Michigan. His father, Bill, continued working as a civil engineer in Detroit, leaving Warren in charge of the family farm during the week with his mother, Mildred, and his older sisters Virginia and Gertrude. Starting with draft horses and milking his herd of cows by hand, he soon purchased a tractor and milking machine.
In his later life, Warren would claim "he was just a farm boy," but those close to him were skeptical of this love of farm life because as soon as he graduated from Jonesville High School in 1950, he joined the U.S. Airforce. While stationed at Tyndall Airforce Base in Panama City, Florida, he met and married his wife of many years, Mildred Edna Lee. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant. The young couple soon moved to Gainesville where Warren benefited from the GI Bill studying electrical engineering at the University of Florida. Graduating in 1957, he left with a degree and a newborn son, Bill. He moved to Orlando to work on a variety of defense projects with Martin Marietta. Another son, Tim soon followed. The young family moved to California, where Warren completed a masters degree in electrical engineering from Stanford University in 1961. Returning to Orlando, his two daughters, Sharon and Lauren were born. The family moved to the Washington D.C. area in 1970, where Warren began work at the Defense Communications Agency rising to become chief systems engineer. While much of his work was classified, he did early research on cell phones, the internet and atomic clocks. Warren retired in 1994, and soon returned with his wife to Gainesville, Florida in 1995.
While Warren was committed to his professional life, he always had a project going on at home. He built the family's first color TV from a kit. Change the oil himself? Of course. And tune the engine and replace the brakes. The biggest project was the family home in Clifton, Virginia. Warren served as prime contractor but also did the plumbing, electrical work, and roof himself, (with help from his wife and children.) But it wasn't all work. The family took the motor boat on long trips along the rivers and lakes of Florida. Warren rebuilt a canoe with his sons, who went on to take it on many whitewater rapids in Virginia.
Warren was very active in the Lions Club. He began with the Clifton Lions Club in Virginia, serving club President and Treasurer and as District Governor. After moving to Gainesville, he joined the Alachua Lions club and continued his activity there. Warren had a strong faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He became an elder in Burke Community Church in Virginia where he also served as Treasurer. He was a long time member of the Chapel of Gainesville.
Warren is survived by three children, Bill Woolsey (Kathy,) Shari McAlpine (Brian) and Lauren Savickas (Terry.) Warren was preceded in death by his son Tim. He has five grandchildren, Will and Andrew Woolsey, Nick and Monica Woolsey, Ian McAlpine, and Rachel and Sarah Savickas. He has one great grandson, William Luke Woolsey and many nieces and nephews.
After Mildred passed in 2012, Warren married Sarah Christine Dean in 2016. They had a happy time together until Sarah passed in 2019. Warren spent his final years at Bridgewater Park in Ocala Florida and Indigo Hall on James Island, South Carolina where he is fondly remembered by many friends and staff.
A visitation celebrating Warren's life will be held at Forest Meadows Funeral Home and Cemeteries at 725 NW 23rd Ave. Gainesville, FL on Monday, November 17th at 1:00 PM. The funeral service is scheduled at 2:00PM also at the funeral home.
Following the services, Warren will be laid to rest at Newnansville Cemetery, 12308 W SR 235, Alachua, FL 32615, where he will find eternal peace.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Alachua Lions Club 15115 NW 142 Terrace, Alachua, FL 32615.
Warren will be dearly missed but fondly remembered in the hearts of all who knew him. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Warren, please visit our floral store.