Yale Waterman Greer, age 87, died on February 1, 2018. He was born in Chase City, Virginia on June 19, 1930 and grew up in South Boston Virginia.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Whittaker Greer, I and Edith Waterman Marilla; brothers Thomas Whittaker Greer, II, James Willard Greer and son Thomas Whittaker Greer, III.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Alexander Greer, daughters Cary Greer Runyon and husband Brent of Lynchburg, and Rebecca Marshall Plesha and husband Jeff of Wake Forest, North Carolina, grandson David Yale Greer and wife Bambi, great-grand children Hudson Yale Greer and Mason Yale Greer of Edmond, Oklahoma. Grand children Lindsey Clark Mahnke and husband Dylan, and great-grand children Landon Dean Mahnke, Parker Joseph Mahnke, Greyson Thomas Mahnke and Adalynn Grace Mahnke; and a grandson Paul Spencer Runyon. He is also survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and great-great nieces and nephews.
Yale graduated from C.H. Friend High School in South Boston, Davidson College in North Carolina, and received his Masters in Education From University of Virginia in 1969. He served our country in Korea between 1951-1953.
Yale had a childlike enthusiasm about whatever interest him at the moment and tried to convince anyone that would listen to be just as excited. He loved the human story and was generally interested in people’s lives and the stories they told. He was an unselfish, nonjudgmental, and a giving man to all he encountered. He was happiest when the HOOS were winning.
Yale loved the mountains, especially the Appalachian Trail, always looking for the next adventure or chance encounter with another hiker. His love for the outdoors and the solitude that it brought him was passed along to his children, again, with great enthusiasm.
He never met a stranger and would give the shirt off his back to anyone, even if he didn’t have another. He believed that “Life’s greatest treasures lie in human personality.”
In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Lynchburg Humane Society and the Southern Poverty Law Center.