John Fields Greear III

John Fields Greear, III (Jack), 84 years young, of Pensacola, Florida, passed away September 20th, 2025. He was born in Chicago, Illinois, on November 26th 1940, to John Fields Greear Jr. and Valeria Christine Paulick. He was married to Beth Ann Greear for 57 years. After graduation from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Jack began his lifetime career in the United States Navy achieving the title of Commander. Jack served at numerous military bases with his first years served at Barbers Point Naval Air Station, Oahu, Hawaii. Service continued at the Naval Safety Center, Norfolk, Va. which focused on disaster preparedness. Training as a medic occurred at Naval Hospital Portsmouth in Portsmouth, Va. The combined education in disaster preparedness and medical training provided Jack with superior ability to care for those injured on the USS Enterprise. On January 14, 1969 an overheated rocket detonated under an aircraft's wing, causing a massive fire on the deck of USS Enterprise that killed 28 sailors and injured another 314. Treating the wounded required heroic efforts by Jack and team of personnel. Jack was thankful to be a part of a lifesaving team. Jack's knowledge of physiology was gained through his years at Naval Aerospace and Operational Medicine Institute, Pensacola, Fl. and Naval Training Systems Center and Star Mountain Incorporated Orlando, Florida. If a friend was willing to listen to lengthy explanations about the importance of body functions and nutrition to improve one's health, Jack poured out a multitude of facts. Membership in American Society of Mechanical and Safety Engineers, Aerospace Medical Association and the Air Orlando Cessna Flying Club (President from 1987-1988) were reflections of Jack's fulfilling naval career. Foremost in Jack's life was his passion for Jesus Christ which he witnessed to family and friends. Jack filled his life with days of sailing, swimming in his pool, competition ballroom dancing, gardening and organizing by labeling and laminating everything. Jack was preceded in death by parents, John Fields Greear Jr. and Valeria Paulick Greear and sister, Jane Greear Miller. Jack will be lovingly remembered. He is survived by his wife Beth Ann Greear; son: John (Jamie) Greear; daughters: Christina Greear, Gail (John) Pardoner, Laura (Thomas) Holcombe; grandchildren: Madyson, Logan, Luke, Aaron, and Caleb Greear, Asher and Marleigh Holcombe; sisters: Cheryl Greear (Jacob) Bowman, Rosemary Greear (John) Weldon; brothers: James (Patricia) Greear, Paul (Judy) Greear and many nieces and nephews. Please arrive at 1:00 PM for the Funeral Procession leaving Faith Chapel Funeral Home South, 100 Beverly Parkway, Pensacola, at 1:30 PM for a Graveside Service at Barrancas National Cemetery, NAS Pensacola, at 2:00 PM. Patrons need to be in procession for easy access to the military base. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to: American Heart Association P O Box 840692 Dallas, TX 75284-0692 1-800-242-8721 www.heart.org