Major General Edward Greer (retired, Army), 100, died peacefully in his El Paso home on January 29, 2025. A pioneering figure in the U.S. Army and a trailblazer for African American servicemembers, he was born March 8, 1924, in Gary, West Virginia, the son of a coal miner and grandson of a man born into slavery.
His remarkable career spanned three major conflicts and represented a significant period of change in the military's history. It started in 1943 as a teenager when he enlisted in the segregated U.S. Army during World War II.
He served in the 777th Field Artillery Battalion, an all-Black unit, and rose to the rank of master sergeant by the war's end. After the war, he returned to college, was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1948, and went on to serve in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars.
In 1972, Greer became one of the first African American officers to be promoted to brigadier general in the U.S. Army. This promotion was part of a significant wave that included five Black officers, at a time when only four Black men had previously reached the Army's general officer ranks.
Greer's ascension to major general later that year further cemented his place as a pioneer for African Americans in the military. The pioneering efforts of Greer and others have led to hundreds of African American men and women becoming general officers over the past fifty years.
Throughout his career, Greer demonstrated exceptional leadership and valor. In Korea, he earned the Silver Star for valor for calling artillery fire on his own position to enable an infantry company to withdraw safely during an enemy attack. In Vietnam, he served with distinction as deputy commander of XXIV Corps Artillery and later commanded the 108th Artillery Group.
He held significant leadership positions, including deputy commanding general at Fort Leonard Wood and as the second in command of the entire U.S. Army Military Personnel Center (MILPERCEN).
Greer's career trajectory from a segregated Army to becoming one of its highest-ranking Black officers exemplifies the progress made in U.S. military integration, diversity and inclusion.
His achievements opened opportunities for future service members by exemplifying leadership roles previously inaccessible to officers of color and by mentoring soldiers during his career and life.
General Greer’s notable honors include Silver Star, Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, and Distinguished Service Medal, and Army Commendation Medal.
Upon retiring from the military in 1976, Greer and his wife Jewell relocated to El Paso, where he undertook a 30-year career in real estate.
Active in community life, he served as chairman of the Officers Retiree Council for Fort Bliss and on the local boards American Cancer Society, Visiting Nurses Association, Association of U.S. Army, and the Association of El Paso Realtors.
Greer was a graduate of West Virginia State College, where he was Polemarch of his Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. He later earned a Master of Science in International Affairs from George Washington University.
Greer is survived by his son Michael Edward Greer, MD (husband Steve Bryant; former wife Pamela Greer-Walker, MD) and grandchildren Lisa Cobb, Alissa Maru (Anteneh), Vaun Greer (Cynthia) and Tia Greer, along with great-grandchildren Melia, Morgan, Maya, Zinzi, Clarke, Jude and AK.
He was preceded in death by parents Walter Thomas Greer and Vesta Elaine Long; his wife of 73 years, Jewell Means Greer; daughter Gail Sharon Lyle and son Kenneth Wayne Greer.
Memorial services are set for Friday, February 21, at Funeraria del Angel Restlawn (1:00) and Ft. Bliss National Cemetery (2:30). In lieu of flowers, General Greer welcomes your support of the Appalachia Service Project to address the region’s crushing poverty.
