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Howard E. Greer

1921 - 2015

Howard E. Greer obituary, 1921-2015, La Jolla, CA

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John M. Taylor Funeral Home

147 DUKE OF GLOUCESTER ST

Annapolis, Maryland

Howard Greer Obituary

Vice Admiral Howard E. Greer, USN (RET) May 1, 1921 - November 22, 2015 La Jolla Howard Earl Greer, Vice Admiral, USN (RET), died November 22, 2015, in Coral Gables, Florida. He was born May 1, 1921, in Tyler, Texas, and attended public school there until entering Tyler Junior College. He received a congressional appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy and was commissioned an Ensign upon graduation with the class of 1944. VADM Greer served on active duty from June 1943 to April 1978 and accrued a total of 5,292 flight hours and 418 carrier landings. Aviation Commands include Commanding Officer VF-64 (F3H) 1957 1958; Commander CAV-10 (aboard USS Shangri La) 1961 1962; Commanding Officer USS Hancock (CVA-19) 1968 1969; Chief of Naval Air Reserve Training 1969 1971; Commander, Carrier Division THREE 1972 1974; and Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic Fleet 1975 1978. Combat Tours include WWII: USS Princeton (CVL-23); Ship's officer in Gilbert Islands, Tarawa, Roi, Namur, Eniwetok, Palau, Guam, Saipan, Battle of Philippines Sea and Rabaul campaigns; Vietnam: four tours with Seventh Fleet 19641972; and Yankee Station commander (CTG-77.0) in 1972. Significant career events were as speech writer for Admiral Arthur W. Radford when testifying before congress during the "Revolt of the Admirals" in 1949; introducing the Sparrow III missile to the Fleet with F3H-2 in 1957; Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans for Seventh Fleet for the first two years (1964 1966) of the Vietnam War; and Tactical Commander during all air operations by naval forces in Linebacker I campaign, including the mining of Haiphong Harbor in May 1972 as Yankee station commander. VADM Greer's awards include Distinguished Service Medal (2), Legion of Merit (4), Navy Commendation Metal, Pacific Theater WW II Ribbon with 9 Battle Stars, and Vietnamese Distinguished Service Award. He retired from active duty as Commander, Naval Air Forces Atlantic Fleet in April 1978. Upon retirement from the Navy, VADM Greer moved to La Jolla, CA, where he worked as a consultant for General Dynamics from 1978 to 1996. He was a proud member of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and the Tailhook Association, and he was deeply honored to be a Golden Eagle and serve as its member Chair for several years. The third of four children of a grocery salesman, Greer's lifelong love of gardening came from his mother's passion for breeding hybrid rose variations, a local hobby common in his native Tyler, rose capital of the world. Howard loved the outdoors and horse riding and for many years was a member of Los Rancheros Visitadores, based in Santa Ynez, California, the World's largest and oldest men's Western riding organization, whose membership included former President Ronald Reagan. Greer was an accomplished card and domino player, hunter, tennis buff and a dancer. He also was an avid golfer and a devoted fan of football, which he starred in at Tyler High School. Especially in his later years, he enjoyed traveling and exploring new cultures, and loved good conversation and time spent with family and friends. VADM Greer will be greatly missed by his six children and their spouses, Margaret (Chris) Simmons, Darby (Jack) Monger, David (Andrew) Greer, Briand (Jeanne) Greer, Holly (Michael) Thompson and Howard (Stacey) Greer Jr.; as well as his ten grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and family members in the Tyler area.Services will be held at the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel on December 22, 2015, at 10 am with graveside burial immediately following.In lieu of flowers, VADM Greer's family suggests donations be made in his name to Wounded Warriors. Please sign the guest book online at legacy.com/obituaries/ lajollalight .

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by La Jolla Light on Dec. 24, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
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Louis Johnson

July 20, 2016

Such a fine gentleman. I was honored and grateful to have served Admiral Greer and his family as driver when he was Chief of Staff, COMNAVAIRPAC, NAS North Island and COMNAVAIRRESFOR, NAS Glenview. The Admiral and Mrs. Greer were so kind as to include me in several family activities and hosted a dinner for my parents and me at their quarters in Glenview.
There are thousands of people who could express similar grateful memories of his many years of devoted service to the United States.
Louis F. Johnson, Jr.

Dee King

June 21, 2016

Dear family of Howard Greer, my mother, Merthel "Lily" Womble Lundy joins me in expressing our sorrow over just now learning of "Howie's" passing. We shared many wonderful times together while there in CA. Mother became a very close friend of Dale and Mom still misses her. Mother is 92 and living in an assisted living "manor" in Wichita Falls. She and her husband , Dr.Jim Lundy, spent half of the year in LaJolla. Jim , who was a member of the infamous billiard-playing group, the "Egg Whites",died in Jan.2014. We will treasure our memories of Admiral Greer and never forget his warmth, generosity, wisdom, graciousness, and that ever-present twinkle in his eye! Our sincere condolences, Dee Womble King And Lily Womble Lundy

May 4, 2016

Briand,

I just read this as I was catching up on lost friends, and I wanted to express how sorry I felt when I saw your father's passing. I know whatever your life has brought you that he was incredibly proud of you, as he always was whatever life served. Life is very full. His obit says he lived it to a very high level......

I know it has been a while since he past, but I just wanted to say blessings. Hope you have peace in your life.

Sincerely, Sharon

December 31, 2015

Know confidently that soon death will be brought to nothing 1 Cor. 15:26. All our loved one will be brought to life again soon. My deepest sympathy to the family. -

December 30, 2015

My condolences to the family, may God grant you peace in your hearts and minds as you endure your lost at this time. Philippians 4:6,7

December 30, 2015

May the God of all comfort bring your family peace at this time of deep sorrow

BUD HOFF Capt USN-ret

December 24, 2015

I was most fortunate to serve as an Ensign in VADM Greer's first command VF-64 in 1957.He was most impressive radiating an unusual friendliness to all he encountered. He remained a lifetime friend hosting his first command squadron mates in VF-64 at his home in La Jolla taking us all to a fine dinner.VADM Greer will never be forgotten to all of us who were so fortunate to know him. God Bless VADM Greer.Deepest sympathy to his family who like us will miss this unusual Admiral always greeting you with a smile.

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Memorial Events
for Howard Greer

Dec

22

Service

10:00 a.m.

U.S. Naval Academy Chapel

CA

Dec

22

Burial

CA

Funeral services provided by:

John M. Taylor Funeral Home

147 DUKE OF GLOUCESTER ST, Annapolis, MD 21401

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