Richard Alan Greer

Richard Alan Greer passed away peacefully on Friday July 18, 2025, following a courageous year-long battle with  T-cell Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Richard faced his illness with unwavering strength, faith and dignity-qualities that defined his life and inspired all who knew him. Richard was born on September 16, 1952, in Pascagoula, Mississippi to Everett and Sarah Greer.  He married Cheryl Buckingham on December 27, 1975, his beloved partner and confidant for nearly five decades. Together, they built a loving and nurturing home where they raised four children - Eva, Sarah, Leigh Anne, Richard Jr.

A proud graduate of Pascagoula High School's Class of 1971 Richard began his career working alongside his father and brother as they established the family business, Greer Welding Supply.  After the sale of this business, he continued his career in the industrial supply industry.  For the last 17 years of his career at Huntington Ingalls, Richard became a trusted source of wisdom and support for his coworkers, always eager to share his knowledge and lend a helping hand. 

Richard was actively involved in many organizations throughout his life. He was a member of the Jackson County Chapter of DeMolay and a member of Gulf Coast Priory of Knighthood. He received the degree of Chevalier during his membership.  He served in numerous positions with his local chapter and was honored to served as State Master Counselor for Mississippi. He is also a former member of Masonic Lodge #419 Pascagoula.

Richard was a lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ. He was baptized and grew up in the Baptist church. He was married in and raised his family at First Presbyterian Church of Pascagoula and was a faithful servant at Eastlawn United Methodist Church for the past 20 years.

In addition to his faith, his love for his family and devotion to his friends, Richard had a passion for history, especially the Civil War era.  In recent years he traveled to many Civil War battlefields.  He was a walking history lesson - he knew the battles, the generals, the strategies and the aftermaths.  During his final weeks, he continued his cherished tradition of watching the film Gettysburg - on July 1st, 2nd and 3rd.  He was "there" as they fought over those 3 days.  His love of history also sparked a deep interest in family genealogy.  With tireless dedication, he explored every branch of his family tree, ultimately tracing and recording the histories of more than 4,000 ancestors  for his extended family.
 
He had a special love of music.  His first job was at Mississippi Music! He loved classic gospel hymns and movie soundtracks, and was always happy to talk your ear off about John Philip Sousa!  He played the saxophone in junior and senior high school and was selected to join the USA High School Band, traveling to England to perform across the British Isles.  He enjoyed telling the story of playing soccer in Scotland until midnight under the shining sun.  He loved to sing and was a decent bass.  He was a member of the Pascagoula High School Choraliers, several church choirs and the Singing River Chorale.  He enjoyed learning new things, recently it was woodworking, furniture repair and simple construction projects.

But his most enduring love, after his family, was baseball. He started playing baseball at an early age. At sixteen, he put down his bat and glove and picked up a scorebook for the city leagues. When the need for umpires arose, Richard answered the call. He left the scorebook in the press box and took to the field with a baseball counter in hand, embarking on a distinguished umpiring career that spanned 54 years - pausing only briefly in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.  Over the decades, he officiated games at every level, from city leagues and junior high to high schools, junior colleges and even some non-conference senior college contests.  As a dedicated member of the Mississippi High School Activities Association for more than 30 years, Richard served as the assigning secretary for middle and high schools throughout south Mississippi.  He was named as Official of the Year by the Gulf Coast Baseball Officials Association in the 1995-96 and had the honor of umpiring at the High School State Baseball championship games in 1998 and 2001.  He was a member of the Cal Ripken/Babe Ruth organization and had the privilege to umpire at regional and World Series tournaments. He was a lifelong Atlanta Braves fan.

Those who knew Richard will remember his gentle spirit, generous heart, and quiet wit. He modeled patience, curiosity and love in all aspects of life, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire all who were fortunate to know him.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother Stephen Greer.  He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Cheryl Greer of Pascagoula, MS; four children Eva Harvell (Micheal), Sarah Wood (David), Leigh Anne Rebecca (Josh), and Richard Greer Jr.; a sister Judy Hunter; sister in law Gail Greer and seven grandchildren, Katelyn and Cole Wood, Justin Skidmore, Emma and Aiden Harvell, Jackson and Logan Rebecca along with numerous other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held at Eastlawn United Methodist Church between 12:00 p.m. - 2:00p.m. Saturday July 26.  The funeral service will follow at  2:00 p.m.   Interment will be at Griffin Cemetery following the funeral. The family would like to thank Hospice of Light for the excellent care and assistance in Richard's final weeks. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Richard to the Pascagoula Youth baseball league, Pascagoula Dugout Club or Eastlawn United Methodist Church music programs.

Serving as pallbearers, Micheal Harvell, David Wood, Josh Rebecca, Cole Wood, Wayne Sharpton,  and Terrence Mobley. Honorary pallbearers will be Aiden Harvell, Justin Skidmore, Jackson Rebecca and Logan Rebecca

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