Russell Howard Greer, age 79, of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away on Monday, April 1, 2024 after a 9 month battle with bone marrow cancer.
Russell was born on December 20, 1944, to James Edgar Greer and Gloria Jeanne Baker Greer in Topeka, Kansas. His father was stationed in North Dakota with the Army Air Corps. After his father finished his time in the Army Air Corps, the family moved to Charleston, South Carolina and then to Mt. Pleasant where Russell and his sisters called home. Russell attended Moultrie Elementary, Moultrie Middle and graduated from General William Moultrie High School in 1964.
Russell had many professions in his life. One of his favorites was working in the packing sheds while in high school. He was always bringing home fresh tomatoes and cucumbers for his family. He excelled in sales and won many awards doing so. He was employed by United Insurance Company of America until he retired after 40 years of service.
Russell loved the outdoors. He had a green thumb when it came to gardening and landscaping. If he wasn't on the golf course, you could find him in his yard or on the Wando river. He loved fishing and shrimping in the Wando River. Playing golf was his passion. He began playing while he was in his forties and all his free time was spent on the greens at Charleston Municipal Golf Course. Russell loved "Muni" and spearheaded an improvement project that beautified the area around the first tee. At this time Russell founded the all- volunteer group known as "Friends of Muni".
The mission of this group was to beautify the golf course and benefit the surrounding wildlife, of which 39 species have been identified, including the Purple Martin and the Eastern Bluebird. It was Russell who took the lead in creating the plans, raising funds, and working with contractors until the project was complete. Golfers from all over the world can enjoy teeing off with less bugs due to the efforts of "the Friends of Muni" and of course the many birds which are nesting and feasting on pesky insects.
Russell was predeceased by his father, James Edgar Greer, his mother Gloria Jeanne Baker Greer Campmier, his youngest sister, Cynthia Greer Lamparter and his stepmother Barbara Irwin Trainor Greer.
Russell is survived by one son, Michael David Greer of Gilford, New Hampshire, and his wife Ashley, adopted daughters, Gretchen Lynn Greer Abbott (Jeremy) and Rebecca Josephine Greer Butler (Maurice). Grandchildren, Samantha Claire Greer, Alexander Michael Greer, and Michael (Mikey) Thomas James Greer. Russell was a proud father and grandfather.
He is survived by sister's Carla Jean Greer Kirkland (John), Judith Lynn Greer Kessler (Harold), Janet Lee Greer Jenkins (Gordon), stepsisters Virginia Trainer Keller and Linda Trainer, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
No service is scheduled currently. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a cancer fund of your choice.
Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at palmettocs.com.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Palmetto Cremation Society, 5638 N Rhett Ave, Charleston, SC 29406, 843.722.2555