Obituary of Vance Wilbar Greene

Vance Wilbar Greene Jr. 68, of the Lower Alarka Community went home to be with Jesus Friday, March 26, 2021. A native of Swain County, he was the son of the late Vance Wilbar Greene Sr. and Ellean Martin Greene. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by twin daughters, Tammy and Selina Greene and his brother, Teddy Greene. Vance was a longtime member of Cold Springs Baptist Church. He began his work career at the A &P store as a bag boy and stocker. He then was a teller at Northwestern Bank as a teller. Next, he worked at Piggy wiggly which became IGA. After a short time at Pepsi Cola, Vance and Tommy Shuler then opened a meat market. They butchered many animals for many local people. Following that he was forced to find work away from home and began is lifelong career in construction work. He started work as a pipe fitter helper and over the course of many years worked his way up to Mechanical Engineer. He worked as a Chief Engineer for over 12 years with Englobal and was contracted to work for BASF. He worked in many different states ranging from New York to Florida and west to Ohio. Eventually his health wouldn’t allow him to continue working. Vance was a jolly person who dearly loved his family. He loved spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. He had a great sense on humor and very generous heart. Small children in stores often accused him of being Santa Claus. He would always reply, “I’m not Santa, but I know him and you better be good.” He had a great love for bluegrass and gospel music. He was a fabulous mandolin picker and was a member of the Bluegrass Mountaineers. They would frequently perform on the local radio station and were sponsored by B and S Chicks out of Murphy. Vance had a great faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and could pray the most beautiful heartfelt prayers. There is no doubt that he is resting in the arms of his Lord and Savior, holding his twin girls and visiting with his Mom, Dad and Brother and the many saints gone on before. Vance is survived by his wife of 49 years, Kathy Greene; two children, Julie Robin Laws and husband Michael of Bryson City, Vance W. Greene, III and wife Jessica Winchester Greene of Bryson City; seven grandchildren, Mikel Laws, Emily Smith and husband Jacob, Olivia Greene, Karin Greene, Caleb Wiggins, Brylee, and Hunter Herron; lifelong friends, Charles Bumgarner and Tommy Cunningham. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Tuesday at Cold Springs Baptist Church. Rev. David Postell will officiate. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 pm Tuesday at the church.