Rev. Bill Greer

Published 12:16 pm Monday, May 5, 2025

Psalm 122:1
I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.

Rev. William (Bill) James Greer, formerly of 2028 Sundale Road in Johnson City and recently American House senior living, arrived in his new Heavenly Home on Friday, May 2, 2025, following a recent illness and rehab stay at Ivy Hall Nursing Home.

Bill was born June 15, 1933, to Jess and Nettie Troutman Greer in the Burbank community of Roan Mountain, Tenn., delivered by a midwife. He obtained his GED high school diploma from University School in March 1965 after stepping away from school to help the family earn money due to the passing of his mother at the young age of 13. Later, Bill proudly served his country as a corporal in the U.S. Army as a military police officer during the Korean War conflict while stationed in Germany. His military experiences opened a whole new world for “the hillbilly from the mountains of Tennessee,” taking his familiar “twang” abroad, building a beginning for many of his tall tales later in life. Following his military duty, he began employment at the Veterans Hospital until his retirement, serving in multiple assignments including as an EKG technician.

While working at the VA Hospital, Bill met the love of his life, Mary Nell Grindstaff, a young nurse whom he “fell head over heels” in love with and married on June 2, 1960. They shared many adventures, fun times and unforgettable experiences together, especially during their service to the Lord. Bill loved gospel music, and together with his brother-in-law Jack Pealer, niece Helen Anderson and close friend Joe Saylor, formed the Saving Grace Quartet, singing about the Lord for years, blessing hearts and making friends everywhere they sang. Bill served as a deacon at Keystone Freewill Baptist Church prior to accepting God’s call to preach in 1971, beginning his treasured service to the Lord for over 50 years. “Preacher Bill,” as he would become known, pastored multiple churches and held revivals throughout the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina areas. Churches where Bill and Mary Nell served the Lord included New Liberty Freewill Baptist Church (Stoney Creek), Keystone Freewill Baptist Church (Johnson City), Watauga Valley Freewill Baptist Church (Stoney Creek), interim pastor at First Freewill Baptist Church (Mountain City), and Riverview Baptist Church (Erwin). During this time, God blessed him for his efforts and devotion with hundreds if not thousands of individuals saved during his ministry, baptized over 500 individuals and conducted over 800 funerals. Bill was a proud member of the Jack’s Creek Ministers Association, serving with his fellow brethren for over 50 years.

Bill is survived by a son, Kenny (Vickie) Greer, and daughter, Kathy (Randy) Greear; four grandchildren, Wes (Mandy) Greer, Aaron (Julie) Greer, Jessica (Thomas) Sutherland and Kim (Allen) Vittetoe; six great-grandchildren, Riley Greer, Hadley Greer, William Greer, Grady Greer, Greear Vittetoe, Grayson Vittetoe; baby Brycen Greer due May 19, 2025; and stepbrother, Orlis (Jean) Francis; sisters-in-law, Lucy Greer, Eula Lee Grindstaff, Erma Barker (his personal “Door Dash” breakfast deliverer) and Della (Floyd) Nettles; brother-in-law, Ray Scholl; and numerous nieces and nephews. Along with his parents and wife Mary Nell, Bill was preceded in death by his brother Jack Greer; sister Bertha Pealer; stepmother Allene Greer; stepbrothers Noah Francis and Tommy Francis; stepsisters Lamira Slagle and Elizabeth Royston; and a great-grandchild, Grace Vittetoe.

Bill loved his immediate family and was so proud to call them his legacy, entertaining them frequently with tales of his experiences. His grandchildren and even his great-grandchildren honored him by imitating “Preacher Bill” with their best twang. He enjoyed eating Mary Nell’s home cooking, where she fixed his favorites — except for “pigs feet,” which he cooked for himself and special invited friends. His other favorite foods included Hardee’s biscuits and gravy, hot wangs and Dr. Enuf soda. As stated above, he loved gospel music, building lifelong friendships with groups like the Hardin Brothers Quartet, Good News Quartet, Heavenly Way Trio, Good Shepherd Quartet and his favorite, the Primitive Quartet. Bill and Mary Nell thoroughly enjoyed spending time with their friends, traveling throughout the United States and visiting countries in the Middle East, Europe and cruise ports in Alaska and the Caribbean during their 25-plus Christian Bible cruises. Again, these experiences led to many stories and tales that would be told for years to come.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at Keystone Freewill Baptist Church on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, beginning at 7 p.m., preceded by receiving of friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Rev. Charlie Trivette, Rev. Frank Woods and family members will speak, with music provided by the New Liberty Quartet, Laura Coleman, Helen Anderson and family members. The graveside service will be conducted on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at Monte Vista Cemetery at 10 a.m., conducted by Rev. Kenneth Grindstaff. Active pallbearers will be Randy Greear, Wes Greer, Aaron Greer, Riley Greer, Allen Vittetoe and Thomas Sutherland, with great-grandchildren assisting. Honorary pallbearers include Rev. Tony Birchfield, Rev. Randy Johnson, Rev. Wesley Duncan, Rev. Steve Hillman, Larry Grindstaff, Ray Scholl, Mike Cole, Randy Hardin, Eddie Shoun, Sherrill Perry, Bob Horn, Mike Lowry, Randy Garland, Mike and Jean, members of the Jack’s Creek Minister Association and the church families of New Liberty, Keystone and Watauga Valley Freewill Baptist churches.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to his caregiver, Olivia Schmidt; Tammy Lewis and the American House staff; Judy and Victor Deloach and the staff at Ivy Hall Nursing Home. Also, special thanks to CNA Terry Poole, who brought joy and laughter during his final days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) in memory of Bill. Military honors will be provided by the Veterans Honor Guard of the Tri-Cities. Family and friends will assemble at the cemetery at 9:50 a.m. Wednesday. Condolences may be sent to the family at our website, www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.

Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Greer family.