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Greer, Paul Hayden
92 of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on September 2, 2017. Paul was born December 7, 1924 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, the only child of Manning Paschal Greer and Mary Ellen Hayden. He is survived by daughters Linda, Susan Gudykunst (Ron), and Lisa Erlick (Steve), son David (Jeanie), grandchildren Ryan (Sharon), Kim Ollerhead (Dustin), Robyn Nunemaker (Joe), Kevin (Melissa) Jacob Erlick, Aaron (Marissa), Justin Erlick (Lucia), and 20 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Carolyn, and his precious granddaughter Michele Erlick. Paul enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served as a B-17 pilot in World War II, fly
ing 35 combat missions over Europe. Following the war, he joined the Air Force reserves, and continued his service for more than 20 additional years. Paul studied electrical engineering at the California Institute of Technology, and completed his degree at the Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy. Paul moved his family to Arizona in 1950 where he started a new job with Motorola, working in the Semiconductor and Government Electronics divisions over a 39-year career. Paul served in many capacities as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He enjoyed good Mexican food, music, and playing with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 12, 2017, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Whitney-Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., Phoenix. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. with visitation starting at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 3920 N. 44th Place, Phoenix. Interment at Green Acres Cemetery.
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4 Entries
I first met Paul at Luke Air Force Base in about 1951 or '52. I had been activated with the Michigan Air National Guard and, along with the Arizona Air Guard, we reactivated Luke Field shortly after the start of the Korean Police Action (read, War, no matter what President Truman said) and changed its name to Luke Air Force Base. Paul was employed by the neophyte (at the time) Motorola Western Military Electronics Center (or whatever they called it at then). He also pulled drills with the Air Force Reserve at Luke to fulfill his Reserve obligation. I was a radio operator/maintainer in the radio station that had been the Loran C transmitter building during WWII. It stood right about where the present day on-base gas station is located east of Litchfield Road. That's the location Paul also spent several of his drill periods in those years.
When he told me he worked at Motorola, I became very interested as I was interested in doing the same thing and move back to the Valleyonce I completed my BS studies in electrical engineering back in Michigan. I made sure that I was around to pick his brains on the merits of Motorola and the possibilities of getting a job there every time he came out to drill.
So, in 1956 I did get back to the Phoenix area, with a brand new BSEE degree, and a job at Motorola! All because of Paul! Our paths did cross a number of times not only at Motorola's 56th Street plant, but also at the Hayden Road facility. We were in different departments, so the meetings were short, as the only time we'd see each other was when we were in the hallway on our way to lunch, or wherever. I'd spy Paul, intercept him, stick out my hand to shake his, and with a great big smile on my face announce to whomever we were walking with that it was Paul's fault that I became an employee of Motorola! Always grand meetings in my book!
Last time was in 1972, as I left Motorola. But my memory of Paul Greer and his influence on my life is still vivid.
I knew Paul had been in the Army Air Force during the war, but had no idea he had flown a B-17 for 35 combat missions. My admiration for him has gone up a couple of notches after learning that and also confirming in my book he was a good guy!
To Paul's survivors, I express my sympathy and condolences. I will always remember Paul with fondness, and wish him God speed on his final flight west.
Howard Barikmoex-Motorola employee
Howard Barikmo
September 12, 2017
My wife and I send our condolences to the family. We knew Paul well and enjoyed visiting with him and having Mexican food with him. We loved Paul and feel that he was a great man.
Pete and Ellen Ottosen
September 12, 2017
I was very sorry to read of Paul's passing. Paul and his sweet wife Carolyn were wonderful people and it was a privilege and an honor to have had them as friends. Till we meet again, may God be with you.
Steve & Evelyn Hibbert
September 11, 2017
To the Greer family, I am sorry for your loss. I just wanted to share some comforting scriptures. Hosea 13:14. Take care.
Brandon
September 9, 2017
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Funeral services provided by:
Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home4800 East Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018
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