Gregory Paul Heywood

Gregory Paul Heywood, 59, of Summerville, SC, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 27, 2024. 

Born on September 16, 1964, in Groton, CT, he was the son of the late Constance Weisgerber Heywood and Don Horsfall Heywood of North Charleston, SC.

Greg was a man who valued the simple things in life. He loved taking care of his pets, enjoying a good meal, tending to his plants, and most importantly he passionately loved his family. He always prioritized matters of the heart over material things.

He was a selfless and generous person who rarely got angry and found contentment in most situations. However, his biggest challenge came in the form of a long six-year battle with cancer. Despite the immense pain and many changes that came with the disease, he remained positive and strong for the sake of his loved ones. He persevered through it all and met his final challenge with grace, passing away peacefully in his sleep. 

Though he will be greatly missed, his memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him. He was an example of a life well-lived and was loved by many, including many co-workers and friends whom he met while employed at Pep Boys for over 20 years. 

In addition to his mother, Greg is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Albert and Ruth Weisgerber and paternal grandparents, Sherwin and Barbara Heywood, Jr. of Michigan, not to mention the multitude of pets he cared for and loved. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Paula A. Sain; his children, Jessica Smithson (Charles) and Zachary P. Gonya (Amanda); his faithful dogs: Penny, Honey, and Ginger; and his beloved grandchildren: Liam Andrews Gonya, Lillian Rose Gonya, Charles Bennett Smithson, Joanna Kathleen Smithson, and Margaret Lindy Smithson. Additionally, he is survived by his sister, Christine Cormier (Arthur); brother, Robert Heywood (Anne); sister and brother-in-law, Tracie and Greg Mappus; brothers-in-law, Chip Sain and Justin Smith; as well as his nieces and nephews: Stephanie Piepoli (Mark), Derek Cormier (Alyssa), Morgan Heywood (Steve), Madison Heywood, Wesley Heywood, and Preston Mappus; and his great-niece, Raelyn Piepoli. His long-time friend, Thomas Gallagher; and many other family members in Michigan are also mourning his loss. Greg is also survived by his mother-in-law, Joanne Smith; father-in-law, Jerry Sain, and his wife Susan, who took great care of him until the very end.

The Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at Ashley River Park's Screened Porch, 200 Renken Road, Summerville, SC 29485.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Greg’s name to Pet Helpers Adoption Center, 1447 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412. 

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.mcalister-smith.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, (843) 722-8371.