Charles Greener

Richardson - Charles Greener was born June 3, 1940, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Charles Woodrow Greener and Eva Izell Reid. After his parents' divorce and his mother's marriage to Raymond Lee "Herc" Hutchison, the family relocated to Odessa, Texas.

Charlie graduated from Odessa High School in 1958 and went on to study architecture in the engineering school at Texas Technological College (now Texas Tech University).

In 1962, Charlie married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Hill, and the following year he graduated from Texas Tech. Soon after, he began his career at Fischer and Spillman Architects in Dallas. During these years, he and Sandra welcomed two daughters, LezLee Ann (1964) and Lori Lynn (1968). In 1969, Charlie partnered with fellow Texas Tech graduate Alan Sumner to form Greener and Sumner Architects. Together they built projects across the country, including tennis clubs, hotels, and apartments.

In 1976, Charlie married Patricia Bryan, whom he met on a blind date. With this union came a third daughter, DeeDee McAlister, and the family was complete.

Charlie's entrepreneurial spirit led him to create Harborage International, Inc. in 1991, which specialized in building sports bars, comedy clubs, and restaurants throughout the United States, with consulting work worldwide.

A lifelong passion for golf brought Charlie countless friendships, many formed at the Dallas Athletic Club, where he was a member for decades. Beyond the golf course, he was known for his love of cooking, entertaining, and creating joy for others. At Holly Lake Ranch, his weekend retreat in East Texas, Charlie became legendary for his hospitality and his spectacular Fourth of July fireworks shows. His daughters fondly remember his famously complex Easter egg hunts, complete with detailed clues and competitive races to find the golden egg.

Ruidoso, New Mexico, also held a special place in Charlie's heart. He fell in love with the mountain village as a young boy and later became deeply involved in its community. From designing the new Racetrack Chapel and the new Methodist church to remodeling homes and serving as director of the Ruidoso Jockey Club board, Charlie left his mark in countless ways. He also helped found the Ruidoso Racing Foundation, which supports back track employees and provides college scholarships to summer employees. Summer weekends were spent at the track, where he was quick to share his million-dollar smile and racing picks with friends.

To his daughters, Charlie will be remembered for his generosity, strong principles, unwavering support, sharp mind, quick wit, and even his love of Excel spreadsheets. His guiding mantra was: "If something is worth doing, it's worth doing right the first time." He was always the first to lend a hand, and his life was a testament to loyalty, friendship, and love.

Charlie is survived by his wife of 48 years, Patricia; his daughters LezLee (Chris) Williams, Lori Phillips, and DeeDee (Justin) Falls; and his beloved grandsons Austin (Brianna) Williams, Alex Williams, Brandt (Lindsay) Phillips, Sam Phillips, Zachary (Emily) Falls, and Tristan Falls. He also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Marshall Williams and Brooks Phillips, with two more on the way. He will be deeply missed by his sisters-in-law, Serena (William) Hendryx and Judi Robison, along with countless friends who became family.

Charlie lived fully, loved deeply, and leaves behind a legacy of laughter, generosity, and unforgettable memories.

Those wishing to honor Charlie may do so with a donation to the Ruidoso Racetrack Chapel Benevolence Fund.

https://bit.ly/RRChapel

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