Gary Lee Greer

Gary Lee Greer, born Monday, August 3, 1942 in Joplin, Missouri, the patriarch of our family, passed away after battling Pulmonary Fibrosis, on Friday, July 23, 2021, at the age of 78. He always put his family first, even up until the end. As each family member visited him in his last days, Gary made sure they knew what to do in life. He worried about everyone else, never selfish. Our patriarch did things for each of us throughout our lives. None of us know the full extent of sacrifices he made for us during our time with him.

Even at the end, his eyes lit up with joy as each loved one came to visit, passing on blessings to each of us. We got to tell him how important he was to us and how he shaped our lives.

Throughout life, he guided us all which led to him raising three successful children, seven grandchildren, and taught the next generation how to raise his four (almost five, at current count) great-grandchildren. But boy, did he love his grandchildren. He patiently taught each grandchild the things he cared about, especially when it came to the newest and greatest technology. His love also extended to each of the grandchildren’s spouses. His granddaughter-in-law identified him as the greatest man she had ever known, and his grandson got to tell him (she’s right, you know). Of course, he was humble and said it was a lie, but those in the room could tell that it meant the world to him. He loved his grandchildren, and he took it to another level with the great-grandchildren, and we are so thankful they got to know him. He worried that the great-grandchildren would forget him, but we know they will not.

No one can forget riding on his big orange tractor, playing on his computer, and the greats got to take over his TV and chair (the grands rarely got that honor). The wild rides he and Gigi took them on in the golf cart guarantees the greats will remember him, but no one in the family will let that happen.

This humble man had many accomplishments in his life, especially as a leader. He served his country in the Air National Guard and reached the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, the highest rank possible for an enlisted man. He actively participated in Free Masons and served as Worshipful Master, the highest position possible. He was a pilot and an accomplished woodworker (making unique pieces for each family member). He traveled the world with his wife before it was easy and cool. Most importantly, his greatest accomplishment is the family he raised.

He is survived by his wife, Judy, of 56 years, his brother, Mark (Debra), his three children, Keith, Kim (David), Scott (Karen), seven grandchildren [April (Shaun), Jonathan (Elizabeth), Nicholas, Tyler (Sarah), Tanner, Grace (Seth), and Hannah], and four great-grandchildren [Nathan, Easton, Todd, and Deacon] with a fifth on the way. He was the best husband, daddy, and granddaddy ever, and now he is resting peacefully. Pulmonary Fibrosis took him away from us way too soon, but we were so very blessed for the time we had with him. Rest easy; we know we will see you again!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital https://www.stjude.org or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org.

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” -Deuteronomy 31:8

A a celebration of life for Gary will be held Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 11:00 AM at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens, Goodlettsville, Tennessee.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestLawnFuneral-Goodlettsville.com for the Greer family.