Bobby Greene, age 83, went home to be with the Lord on September 8, 2024 at the Frye Regional Hospital in Hickory, NC. He was born on March 1,1941, the eldest child of the late Joe and Ruth McKinney Greene, in the Green Cove Community on Cane Creek. Tragically, Bobby lost his father at the young age of 17. Following this loss, Bobby took on the responsibility of working the second shift at American Thread to financially assist his mother and four younger siblings while continuing his education at Bowman High School, from which he graduated in 1959. After graduating, Bobby entered the construction industry, working for various companies across Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina. His notable projects included the mini dome at ETSU, Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone High Schools, Blue Ridge Hospital in Spruce Pine, the field house at Milligan College, and several water treatment plants in NC including Murphy and Burnsville.

In April 1968, Bobby married into the Harrell family and was warmly welcomed, particularly by his in-laws, Merrell and Bernice Harrell, who embraced him as their own son. Bobby and Diane eventually made their home in Glen Ayre, where Bobby became a well-known and generous presence in his community, always ready to lend a hand to friends, neighbors, and his church family.

Bobby was a devoted deacon at Little Rock Creek Baptist Church, where he served as

custodian, caretaker, and drove the church van. His commitment to service extended to the Fork Mountain Fire Department in the 1980s, where he was known for his dedication and readiness to respond to calls. Anyone that knew Bobby knew that "612 was there first". The Fire Department was his "true calling" and his dedication earned him the You Make A Difference Award from the North Carolina Governor in 1994.

He truly enjoyed his role as a grandfather and was able to be very involved with them. His house became a second home for his oldest grandchildren, Peyton, Emily, and Audrey." Throughout his life, Bobby faced numerous challenges and hardships with unwavering faith, always giving God the Glory for getting him through.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, his oldest daughter Robin Greene, his brother Dean Greene, and his sister Eloise Burleson. He is survived by his wife Diane Harrell Greene of the home, daughter Heather and her husband Brady of the Glen Ayre community, his son Brandon and his wife Amber of Fork Mountain, and his grandchildren Peyton Street, Emily Jordan, Audrey Greene, Shelby Greene, and Avery Greene. He also leaves behind his brothers Weldon Greene and his wife Sharon of Spruce Pine, and Marvin Greene of Unicoi, TN, nephews Austin Harrell, Joe Greene, Barrett Haben, Josh Burleson, and nieces Dody Greene and Stacie Greene Storie.

The family wishes to extend their deepest thanks to everyone who has been keeping Bobby and us in their thoughts and prayers during these challenging weeks. We are especially grateful to Pastor Keith Beck and his wife Jennifer for their unwavering support, tireless care, and the countless trips to hospitals and rehab facilities. Your compassion has been a great source of comfort to us all.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 from 6 to 9 pm in the Little Rock Creek Baptist Church. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Thursday at the church with Pastor Keith Beck and Rev. Russell McKinney officiating. Burial will follow in the Randolph Family Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Little Rock Creek Baptist Church Youth Fund, 48 Green Creek Rd, Bakersville, NC 28705.