Paul P. Greene

Paul P. Greene

Asheville - Paul P. Greene, 83, joined the ranks of angels Sunday afternoon at his home surrounded by his family.

A native of Asheville, Paul was the proud owner of Wick and Greene Jewelers in downtown. Born in 1928, Paul had an interesting journey. He spent most of his childhood on a farm north of Asheville with his aunt and uncle. When his father died in 1941, Paul was 14 and returned to the city to work to support his mother and his two younger siblings. It was then that he formed his relationship with E.O. Wick of Pick-Wick Jewelers. Paul worked for Mr. Wick before and after school and would later go on to apprentice with Mr. Wick as a hand engraver under the GI Bill. At 18, Paul joined the US Navy as a Midshipman and later became a Fireman First Class. He was stationed at Treasure Island on the USS Oklahoma City. While on leave from his post, he met the love of his life - Lucia Brown.

Paul returned to Asheville in 1948 to marry Lucia and make his home with her in Asheville. Paul went on to become a partner in the jewelry business and it was renamed Wick and Greene Jewelers. Together, Paul and Lucia worked to grow the business and make it one of the premier jewelers in the country. Paul worked everyday designing and manufacturing beautiful jewelry - he had a rare gift that will be sorely missed. Paul was joined in the business by his son Michael and his granddaughter Eva-Michelle. Together they will carry on Paul's legacy, for he is the very definition of the word. The only thing Paul loved more than his work was his family. Together Paul and Lucia have two children - Michael Greene and wife Eva, and Paula Greene Webb and husband Steve - and three grandchildren - Christopher Webb, Paul Webb, and Eva-Michelle Greene.

Paul was a great philanthropist; he supported many causes benefiting Calvary Baptist Church and his beloved Asheville. He was a deacon emeritus in the Baptist church and a trustee emeritus at Mars Hill College. He was also a member the Asheville Kiwanis Club. His generosity is legendary. He contributed a tremendous amount to the Asheville he called home: he was a pioneer of the revitalization of downtown Asheville and served on many local boards. Paul loved to ride his motorcycle in the mountains and did so often. Above all, Paul was a devoted husband to Lucia, his wife of 63 years and a loving father and grandfather. He taught everyone he knew compassion, humility, generosity, perseverance and love. He will be missed but his spirit will forever be a part of everyone who knew him.

A visitation will be held Wednesday evening at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m., and also from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Calvary Baptist Church. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 2:30pm at Calvary Baptist Church in West Asheville. Dr. W. Thomas Sawyer, Dr. Buddy Corbin, and the Rev. Don N. Welborn will officiate.

A charitable endowment has been established in his name to help young entrepreneurs like Paul in our community. If you would like to send a donation to this trust in lieu of flowers please send it to the Paul P. Greene Charitable Endowment at the Community Foundation of WNC, PO Box 1888, Asheville, NC 28802. Memorials may also be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 531 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806, or to Mars Hill College, PO Box 370, Mars Hill, NC 28754.

The on-line register is available at www.grocefuneralhome.com.