William Thomas "Billy" Greer, Jr.

William Thomas Greer, Jr. 81, died peacefully at his home in Asheville, NC, on August 30th, 2023, surrounded by his family.

Born to parents William Thomas Greer and Winnie Agnes Duke Greer in Brunswick, GA, on July 28th, 1942, Billy Greer grew up in Tifton, GA, and graduated from Valdosta State University. Feeling drawn to the ministry, he studied at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology and earned an M.Div. degree from Drew University. Seeking yet broader theological understanding, he was research assistant for a year for Professor William Barclay, the distinguished Scottish theologian at the University of Glasgow. He went on to earn a Doctor of Sacred Theology degree at Emory University and a PhD. in higher education administration at Georgia State University, and continued his studies at the Harvard University Institute for Educational Management.

On returning from Scotland, he was ordained as elder in the South Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church. Over the next 12 years he served churches in Macon, Centerville, and St. Luke United Methodist Church in Columbus. In Cuthbert, Georgia, he was pastor of the church, and served Andrew College as chaplain, teaching Old and New Testament, and serving on the Board of Trustees and its executive committee. Recognizing his leadership skills, which were enhanced by his pastoral spirit, Andrew College tapped him for the presidency in 1980. His dramatic success as Andrew’s president led to him being called to Brevard College where he served as president for seven years (1985-1992). In 1992 he assumed the presidency of Virginia Wesleyan College, a small, young, liberal arts college in Norfolk/Virginia Beach. Under Greer’s 23 years at the helm, Virginia Wesleyan notably increased its enrollment, athletics program (earning the coveted ODAC Commissioner’s Cup in 2014-15), physical facilities, and endowment. One of his proudest achievements at Wesleyan was the establishment of the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom. He was often heard to say, “We must stop killing each other over religious beliefs.” The Greer Environmental Sciences Center was given in honor of his retirement, fulfilling his dream and placing Wesleyan in a unique position among liberal arts colleges. Following his retirement from Virginia Wesleyan he served for 18 months as interim president of the Eastern Shore Community College, where he enjoyed the diversity of the students and the academic programs. His gifts as a dynamic leader were recognized by his peers, and they selected him as President of Leadership Georgia and for leadership positions in many educational associations, including The Virginia Foundation of Independent Colleges, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association, and the National Association of Schools and Colleges of United Methodist Church. He was among a select group of college administrators invited to participate in a Fulbright Scholars Program in Germany.

As a young man Billy Greer met and fell in love with Fann Dewar, the love of his life. Their 58-year marriage was a true partnership. He was a devoted husband and father to their three sons, William Thomas, III (Carrie Meade), Robert Dewar (Rachel Simmons), and David Benjamin (Amanda Womble). He was so proud of the men his sons became and of their families: grandchildren Meade Alison Greer (studying at Virginia Commonwealth University), William Thomas Greer, IV and Martin Dewar Greer of Roanoke VA, and Polk Truan Greer and Watson Parker Greer of Chapel Hill, NC. In addition to his wife and children he is survived by his sister Linda Greer Burton (Joe) of Raleigh, NC, brother-in-law Robert Y. Dewar, Jr. (Sarah), their wonderful families and loving cousins. His family was his greatest joy.

Always a visionary, he believed in building community, often around breaking bread. He famously used the barbecue grill as a site for fund-raising as well as a place to nurture closer relationships with colleagues, students, and family. At the institutions he led, many students, faculty and staff members were touched by his personal interest and acts of kindness. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Billy Greer especially loved rooting for sports teams at both Brevard and Virginia Wesleyan, sometimes leading student cheers at basketball games. His love of sports grew from his own long athletic experience playing basketball, which continued into college. At the University of Glasgow he was awarded Full Blue Colors, the highest athletic award given in British Universities.

As a man of high moral character, Greer faced decisions with a clear sense of right and wrong. He and Fann were awarded “Eastern Shore of Virginia, Environmentalists of the Year” and he served on Virginia’s Commission of Game and Inland Fisheries. He loved relating to people regardless of their station in life. He was on the front lines of pushing racial equality in the student athletic church league in Brevard and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. He was interested in and accepting of all people. Humble and gracious, he drew people to his side with his boundless energy, unpretentious ways, ability to empathize, love of a good story, and tremendous sense of humor—how Billy Greer enjoyed a good laugh!

Graveside services were held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 2 at Calvary Episcopal Churchyard in Fletcher, NC and a picnic followed at the Deerfield Community. A memorial service will be held at Virginia Wesleyan University on October 14, 2023 at 11 a.m. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial gifts to the William Thomas Greer, Jr. scholarship fund for deserving students at Virginia Wesleyan University or the William Thomas Greer, Jr. scholarship fund for deserving students at Eastern Shore Community College.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian in Arden is assisting the family.