Robert Jay Greer

1934 - 2014

Fort Worth industrialist Robert Jay Greer, 80, died Thursday, June 12, 2014, at a hospital in Grapevine. Service: 11 a.m. Saturday, June 21, at First Baptist Church, Keller, with Pastor Keith Sanders officiating. Visitation: none. Memorials: If a donation is preferred to flowers, please make it to Happy Hills Farm, Granbury, Texas. Mr. Greer was born in Fort Wayne, Ind., on Feb. 5, 1934. He attended Elmhurst High School and Culver Military Academy. He was a graduate of the University of Indiana in Bloomington, Ind., and served as a paratrooper in the Korean War. Mr. Greer worshipped at First Baptist Church, Keller, and was a former member of North Richland Hills Baptist Church and Mount Gilead Baptist Church, Keller He was active in and supported the children's ministry at each church. He taught Sunday school and often served as a preteen camp counselor. Mr. Greer was a philanthropist. He provided college and continuing education for many young people in addition to his own children and provided extra assistance to many employees and friends. He was a longtime contributor to a number of charities and organizations, many of which assisted U.S. veterans and missionaries. Mr. Greer was president of Greer Industries Inc., which he founded in 1978, and president emeritus of National Utilities Co. Inc. a division of VIJ Corp. Both companies are in the aerospace industry. He continued to work until his illness prevented it. He also owned several other companies. He took his idea of business philanthropy from his father-in- law, a Wisconsin business entrepreneur, saying that, "If you have money in the bank, you should take it out, start another business, and provide jobs for more people." He applied this principle of providing help to others in everything he did. Mr. Greer loved the game of golf and was a member of Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, at which his companies sponsored a Chalet. He enjoyed NASCAR races held at Texas Motor Speedway and was a member of the Speedway Club. Until his illness, he was a member of the Fort Worth Syndicate, which provides scholarships for young people involved with the Fort Worth Stock Show. He served on the Stock Show parade committee as well. Mr. Greer was beloved by his family, friends and employees. His life was summed up by his 5-year-old granddaughter, "We love Bob Cat. Bob Cat loved Jesus, and we love Jesus, so we'll all be together again some day." Mr. Greer was predeceased by his parents, Jay B. and Marjorie Greer of Little Rock, Ark.; a sister, Mrs. Jeanne Anne Seybert of Melbourne, Fla.; and an infant son. Survivors: He is survived by his brother, John B. Greer of Little Rock, Ark.; and his wife of 39 years, Jane Nichols Greer, formerly of Beloit, Wis. They had made their home in Keller for 29 years. He is also survived by his daughters, Renee and husband, Joe Chauncey, Laura Jaye and former husband, Eric Short, Julienne and husband, Gordon Jorgenson, Jennifer and husband, Alex Cozens, all of the area; grandchildren, Colleen, Maggie, Lucas, Jack, Tessa-Jane, Delaney-Claire and Morgan-Cooper; and beloved nieces and nephews.