John William Greene

On August 19, 2021, John W. ("J.W.") Greene left this earth for his forever home. He was born to Claude Jackson Greene and Abbie Dee Greene in Jackson, Alabama on September 1, 1937. He graduated from Vigor High School in 1955 and served in the Army Reserve until 1968. He married Betty Byers Greene on September 29, 1967.

J.W. is survived by his dutiful wife, Betty Byers Greene; son John C. Greene; son Eddie R. Greene with his wife Noretta and their children Breanna and Eric; daughter Sherrie G. Mullis with her children Andrew Tate and Jack Mullis; brother Robert L. Greene; and nephews and niece. He is preceded in death by his parents; infant brother Claude Dee Greene; sister Claudia Gayle Sumerall of Lynn Haven, FL; and sister Bonnie Elkins of Lynn Haven, FL.

It was discovered in February that he had a large tumor on his liver. The surgeon knew surgery was too much for most men, but J.W., being the Matt Dillon/Clint Eastwood he was, he was not most men. Surgery went forward on April 19th and he spent the next four months in recovery. With bones of grit and determination he fought the good fight, each day in hopes for the next.

John W. Greene was a hard yet loving man. He sure would let you know when you messed up, only in effort to keep you from doing it again. He "didn't believe in 'uh-ohs.'" Although he was a simple man, he poured himself into his family and everyone around him. He taught all his kids, nephews, and oldest grandson how to fish, hunt, be a mechanic, how to fix or build anything, and how to tell a joke.

He was fiercely loyal, never said he couldn't help, and most importantly he always had your back. Even up into his 70s, he was on the ready to whoop some tail if his people were crossed. (Literally jumping out of a truck saying, "Boy, I will whoop your *** right here!" The whooping was promptly declined!)

He worked at International Paper Company for 42 years retiring as the supervisor of the sheet finishing department. He was a challenging yet rewarding mentor to many - inside and outside of work. Many have been quite successful because of their relationship with J.W.

A visitation for John will be held Wednesday, August 25, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Radney Funeral Home, 1200 Industrial Pkwy, Saraland, AL 36571. A funeral service will occur Thursday, August 26, 2021 at 10:00 AM, 1200 Industrial Pkwy, Saraland, AL 36571. An interment will occur at Valhalla Memorial Gardens, Semmes, Alabama.

We cannot thank our middle brother, Eddie, enough for everything and every minute he spent for and with Dad. Eddie was his biggest advocate throughout this ordeal. Just like Dad was for us, Eddie never once let Dad down.