John M. Greer

John M. Greer, age 89, of Sandy Springs, GA peacefully passed away on Saturday, June 25, 2016 after a struggle with poor lung health. John was known as a loving father and grandfather, avid gardener, excellent cook, voracious reader and devoted member of Peachtree Road United Methodist Church. He and his wife, Mary Jane, were members of the church for over 50 years, and John spent 41 of those years as an Usher. John had a deep passion for American history; many friends and family would call him to ask for specific dates of historical events! He also enjoyed building model wooden ships and completing crossword puzzles. John never met a stranger; when friends and family reflect on their time with him, they often reference his huge smile and kind heart. He was known as Papa John to the neighborhood children. He was preceded in death by his parents, John M. Greer Sr. and Zera Payne, his older brother, Robert L. Greer, and five aunts and is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Jane Wheatley Greer, two loving daughters, Susan Patton and Melodie Skinner, and four grandchildren, Shannon Yarbrough, Chris Logan, Lauren Yarbrough and Jana Patton, all of Atlanta. Fondly known as Jack in his hometown of Oglethorpe, GA, John was born on May 18, 1927. After the sudden deaths of both his parents, he was raised by his loving aunt, Susie Mae Hollis, and uncle, Tom Hollis in Buena Vista, GA. He left Buena Vista to attend Oxford College of Emory University and also attended Emory University. He served in the Navy in World War II and the Korean Conflict. The majority of his career was spent working as an accountant for Sears, Roebuck & Company, from which he retired in 1993. The family would like to thank the caring and skilled staff at the Halcyon House in Atlanta, GA for the loving care they provided. To honor John, please send donations to Halcyon House, 5411 Northland Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA 30342, or to a charity of your choice. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, June 30, 2016 at 11:00 am at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in the Chapel at 3180 Peachtree Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30305. Light reception to follow.