DURHAM- Gene Greer, age 83, peacefully passed away July 21, 2016 at his home in Durham. Born in Macon, GA on June 18, 1933 he was the son of the late Alvin Greer and Jewel Green Greer.
Gene was a talented musician playing trumpet in the Youth Symphony in Atlanta, earning Most Talented at Russel High in Atlanta, and being offered several music scholarships to college. His best friend John Fowke from age 10 said Gene was the best athlete he had ever seen. Gene continued his love of sports by coaching his 3 boys on more than 25 athletic teams.
Gene graduated from Georgia State at age 30 with 2 sons and one on the way. He spent many Saturdays studying in the library while Barbara took care of the boys.
Even though polio put him on crutches since age 13, he never let it be a handicap and never complained. Gene was proud to play taps at the memorial service for President Roosevelt at Warm Springs, Ga where both the President and Gene spent many months rehabbing.
In Durham Gene rose to the level of VP at a regional insurance firm, following his natural sales ability and winning many national sales trips and contests.
Gene is survived by his loving, loyal, and strong wife and high school sweetheart of 61 years, Barbara Louise Greer; his sons, Steve Greer and wife, Sue of Raleigh; Roger Greer of Durham and Phil Greer of Charlotte; his brother Randy Greer and wife Margie of Dahlonega, GA; his grandchildren, Andrew Greer and wife, Leslie-Ann, Ryanne Greer, Katie Greer, Afton Greer, Gabe Greer, Jolie Greer, Jaime Schechter and husband, Lee, Cindy Claster and husband, Matt; his great grandchildren, Travis Greer, Blake Schechter, Cameron Schechter, and Charlie Claster.
Funeral services will be held 2:00pm on Sunday, July 24, 2016 in the Chapel of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service in Durham.Burial will follow in Maplewood Cemetery.
Friends may visit from 4:00pm-6:00pm on Saturday, July 23, 2016 at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service.
Her sons and especially Barbara would like to express their love and appreciation for the many caring, loving and professional people of Duke Home Health Care and Hospice. In lieu of flowers the family requests that all gifts be sent to this helpful organization at:
4321 Medical Park Dr #101
Durham, NC 27704
Online condolences: www.hallwynne .com; Select obituaries.
Beth McKnight Gipe
July 22, 2016 at 2:32 pmAs a young woman and friend of son Roger, I remember Mr. Greer as being a very kind man; always smiling. I know he is at joyful peace with our Lord and Savior. I share my sincere condolences and will be praying for all of the Greer family.
Beth McKnight Gipe
Pat Sullivan
July 22, 2016 at 7:05 pmCoach Greer was such a great teacher and mentor to me when I played for him on the Cubs. Steve, Phill, Roger , Mrs. Greer and all the extended family so sorry for your loss . I hope you will all find comfort in all the sweet memories of days past. Thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Joan and Sandy
July 23, 2016 at 8:39 amOur love and prayers are with you and the family God bless all of you,
Jim & Dawn Abbott
July 24, 2016 at 8:39 amDear Phil and Family, Jim and I send our deepest sympathy and prayers.
May your father rest in peace with our Lord.
Anita and Mike Mcleod
July 24, 2016 at 2:42 pmWE send our sympathy and prayers to Barbara and family.