Danny Lee Woolmaker, age 69, passed away peacefully in his home the evening of Wednesday, May 7.
Danny was born February 5, 1956, in Cleveland, Ohio. He grew up on a farm, caring for animals, playing baseball, and enjoying snowy winters. Danny graduated with his Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from Rochester Institute of Technology. Upon graduation, he joined the United States Peace Corps and traveled to the Philippines to volunteer and assist with local deaf schools. It was during that time Danny met the love of his life, Lina Pilapil (Lyn). Lyn couldn’t resist the quiet American with silly expressions and a kind heart. They traveled the Philippine Islands together and married during a full moon on May 19, 1981.
Danny and Lyn moved to Ohio after their wedding, and later accepted positions at the Alabama Deaf School (ASD), making the move to Sweet Home Alabama. Danny served as house parent then educator at ASD for thirteen years while pursuing his Master’s Degree in Deaf Education from the West Maryland College. He later accepted a position at Georgia School for the Deaf (GSD) teaching history and art from 1995-2021.
Danny loved athletics. He coached ASD’s soccer team for seven years. At GSD, he coached the Junior Varsity Boys Basketball team for five years and Varsity Girls Basketball team for 15 years. In 2008, under Danny’s leadership, the GSD Varsity Girls Basketball team won the Mason Dixon Tournament at the Mississippi School for the Deaf. In January 2021, Danny retired to Anniston, AL. In January 2024, Danny was awarded “Distinguished Service Award” at the North Carolina’s Mason Dixon Basketball Tournament.
Danny enjoyed adventuring with his wife, supporting his son’s soccer games, walking his grand-dogs (Kaya and Ghost), and shouting at Ohio State football. He was an active church member of Eden Westside Deaf Baptist Ministries in Pell City.
Danny was preceded in death by his parents (John and Ruth Woolmaker) and daughter (Kara). He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Lyn; son, Austin (Sarah); and sister, Dianne.
In remembrance of Danny Woolmaker, the family invites you to his Celebration of Life at Eden Westside Baptist Church on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to the Calhoun County Humane Society in Anniston, AL.
