Ben Lones Greene

“I’ve Ben Greene all my life.” That life consisted of 99 years, 5 months and 4 days. Few lives have been better lived. Ben Greene exemplified grit, capability, humility and caring to everyone who knew him, despite never saying “Bye” when hanging up the phone. He enjoyed the simpler things in life: desserts, football, heavy duty lawn equipment, a 5’ black snake as a sentry in his barn. But above all, Ben enjoyed helping others. He would clean bluegill by the dozen for his grandkids or plumb a building in the middle of the rainforest. He broke three ribs in a car wreck at 94 years old and insisted on getting his chainsaw out of his truck from the tow garage before going to the hospital. Hard bark on a gentle soul.

Ben Lones Greene died peacefully in his home in the early morning of February 6, 2022. He was witty, joking, laughing and telling stories in his last days of life. Leaving behind, as a final memory, the same Dad, Ben, Mr. Ben, Papaw, Granddaddy we have always known.

Born in Sneedville, TN on September 2, 1922 he was the son of John and Maxie Greene of Rogersville. He attended Rogersville High School where he and his friends played football so they could “hit those rich kids” from neighboring high schools. This led to a football career at East Tennessee State University in 1940, ’41.

In 1942 Ben joined the Navy where he attained the rank of Petty officer 2nd class in the Naval Construction Battalion (SeaBees). He was stationed in the South Pacific 1942-43. In 1945 he was honorably discharged and returned to ETSU to finish college. It was here Ben met his future wife, Norma-Jeanne (Jeanne) Hendry, and it was truly love at first sight. They married in 1946. They had three children – Judi (1947), Becky (1951), and Benny (1955).

Ben taught and coached football at Maryville High School until 1953. At that time, he began working for Lambert Brothers Inc./Ashland Oil/ Harrison Construction. Mr. John Lambert and Mr. Bob Jackson were instrumental in his career in the crushed stone industry, until his retirement in 1973. Ben joined his son-in-law, Joe Swann, at Cherokee Lumber Co. in 1990, then in 1994 as a partner in Tool Factory Outlets, Inc.

After the death of Jeanne, fondly called "Mama Jean", in 1996, Ben began mission trips with Rev. Jerry Russell and the members of Fairview United Methodist Church. This began another meaningful chapter of his life.

Ben met Eleanor Talley on a mission trip to Australia in July of 1997. They married on New Year’s Eve, 1997 in a little church in the Pital community of Costa Rica – a church they had helped rebuild. His love for Eleanor and their families, and the good he found he could do through mission work, carried him along the last quarter century. He continued on mission trips into his early 90’s.

The tales, stories, and legends that the family cherishes, spring from so many trips to so many places. They are too varied to recount in limited format, but a few of Mr Ben's places are exceptional: The Ishe Anesu Project, Mutare, Zimbabwe - a school and home for HIV positive orphans; The Hogar Del Ninos, Limoa, Guatemala - a home for orphans of civil war; The Centro Rural Metodista, San Carlos – a camp for young people in the mountains of Costa Rica. Ben spoke of these people and places often and kept them in his heart.

A special thanks to the caregivers Melissa, Lisa and Chrystal. They helped everyone through a difficult time with genuine understanding, compassion and grace.

Ben Lones Greene, September 2, 1922 – February 6, 2022, is preceded in death by:
Parents, John and Maxie Greene; Sister, Kathleen Beal; Sister, Betty Gladson; Wife, Jeanne Hendry Greene; Son, Ben L. Greene, Jr.; Great-Grandson, Clark R. Reagan

Survived and sadly missed by:
Wife, Eleanor Greene; Daughters, Judi Greene Falco (Paul), Rebecca Swann (Joe). Stepsons: Mark Talley (Penny), David Talley (Jennifer), John Talley (Linda)

Grandchildren: Anthony Ellis (Angela), William Swann (Emily), Ben Swann (Brittney), John Falco (Kristi), Rachel Browder (Eddie). Landon Talley (Aly), Jamie Talley (Madison), Miranda Thomas (Will), Katie Grider (Michael), Micah Talley (Rachel), Josie Garcia (Carmen), Emma Talley, Brooks Talley, Ellie Talley, Nick Talley, Evie Talley.

Great Grandchildren: Bryce Carr, Alexander Ellis, Jordis Lonas; Thaxton and Dean Falco; Bret, Blaize and Brooks Browder; Preston, Lones and Dagny Swann; Blu and Eliott Gomez, Tuck Grider; Jazmine, Randon, Jenny, Sandra, Max Garcia.

Great Great Grandchildren: Braylynn and Kennedy Carr; West Browder; Masie and Taylah Browder.

The family will receive friends at Fairview United Methodist Church on Saturday, Feb. 12 from 9am-11am. A celebration of life will immediately follow.

It would be appreciated if those attending would kindly consider wearing a mask as a precaution.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
The Greene Family Scholarship Fund
ETSU Foundation
P.O. Box 70721
Johnson City, TN 37614
Or:
Fairview United Methodist Church
2508 Old Niles Ferry
Maryville, TN 37803