Gerald Marvin Greer

Gerald Marvin Greer, known to his friends and family as Jerry or Mr. G, passed away on 2/5/2024 due to prolonged illness. Jerry was born on 06/04/1944 to Mr. and Mrs. Newton Greer. Jerry spent his youth in Fort Valley, Ga., and was one of three children. Mr. Greer grew up and joined the United States Navy as a hospital corpsman. The following is an excerpt taken from his citation received from his actions on March 21, 1966: While serving with Company D, First Battalion, Fourth Marines in connection with operations against Viet Cong Forces, one of the platoons fell under a devastating volume of fire sustaining numerous casualties including the platoon corpsman. Quickly realizing the need for medical care, hospitalman Greer unhesitatingly left his protected position and advanced throughout the withering fire to aid the wounded. In direct view of the enemy, he treated two of the stricken men and moved them to covered positions. As enemy rounds continued to spray the ground around him, he courageously moved down the exposed slope to two more casualties. He managed to check the profuse bleeding of both Marines. Too exhausted to carry them to a safe area, he valiantly chose to shield them from vicious enemy fire with his own body until assistance was available. During this heroic act, he himself had enemy fire ricochet of his own helmet, luckily not taking his life. His gallant action undoubtedly prevented the casualties from sustaining further wounds. He became an inspiration to all who observed him. By exceptional concern for others and at great risk of his own life, coupled with daring initiative and unfaltering dedication of duty throughout, he upheld the highest tradition of the United States Naval Services and was awarded the Silver Star Medal. After serving in the military, he went on to later open and operate Mr. G’s Tees, Inc. for more than 25 years. He was known to be quite the talkative, happy-go-lucky type that loved eating the biggest steaks ever seen. He loved fishing, going on boat trips with other boat enthusiasts and of course his wife Dorothy. Up until the end of his life when words were hard to come by, he would still stare at her across a room and smile at her. They had a true love that was built on respect and friendship. Jerry was preceded in death by his mother and father, Mr. & Mrs. Newton Greer, his sister Teresa Wells, and his stepson Tony Hodges. He is survived by his wife Dorothy Greer of Leesburg, Ga., stepdaughter Angie (Todd) Kearbey of Leesburg, Ga., son Richard Greer (Michelle Dunn) of Valdosta, Ga., brother George (Lily) Greer of Macon, Ga., multiple grandchildren, a great-grandchild, nephews and nieces. In his honor, we ask for families/friends to support, love and care for one another as we are not guaranteed tomorrow. Any that would like to make donations in his name, we feel the following would be ones he would have chose: Vietnam Veterans of America, Willson Hospice House, American Stroke Association and/or Alzheimer’s Association.

Gerald Marvin Greer

June 4, 1944 - February 5, 2024