SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 128
In Memory
of
Edward Greer
WHEREAS, The life of a trailblazing officer in the United
States Army drew to a close with the passing of Major General
(Ret.) Edward Greer of El Paso on January 29, 2025, at the age of
100; and
WHEREAS, Edward Greer was born in Gary, West Virginia, on
March 8, 1924, to Walter Greer and Vesta Long; he graduated from
West Virginia State College, and he later earned a master's
degree in international affairs from The George Washington
University; and
WHEREAS, Answering his nation's call to duty, Mr. Greer
enlisted in the U.S. Army as a teenager during World War II, and
he was a member of the 777th Field Artillery Battalion, an
all-Black unit, and was elevated to master sergeant;
commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1948, he also served in
the Korean War and the Vietnam War, when he was deputy commander
of the XXIV Corps Artillery and commander of the 108th Artillery
Group; and
WHEREAS, Breaking racial barriers, Mr. Greer become one of
the first African American officers to be promoted to brigadier
general in the U.S. Army in 1972; his ascension to the rank of
major general came later that year; he rose to the positions of
deputy commanding general at Fort Leonard Wood and second in
command for the U.S. Army Military Personnel Center;
demonstrating exceptional leadership and valor in uniform, he
received multiple awards, including the Distinguished Service
Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, and
Bronze Star Medal with oak leaf cluster, Air Medal, Joint Service
Commendation Medal, and Army Commendation Medal; he retired in
1976, and he went on to enjoy a rewarding 30-year career in real
estate in El Paso, where he was actively engaged in the veterans
community; and
WHEREAS, In all his endeavors, Mr. Greer enjoyed the love
and support of his wife of 73 years, the late Jewell Means Greer;
they raised three children, Gail, Kenneth, and Michael, and he
later took great pride in his four grandchildren and seven
great-grandchildren; and
WHEREAS, Edward Greer inspired generations of African
American military service members, and he leaves behind a legacy
that will resonate for many years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th
Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of U.S. Army Major
General (Ret.) Edward Greer and extend heartfelt sympathy to the
members of his family: to his son, Dr. Michael Edward Greer, and
his husband, Steve Bryant; to his grandchildren, Lisa Cobb,
Alissa Maru and her husband, Anteneh, Vaun Greer and his wife,
Cynthia, and Tia Greer; to his great-grandchildren, Melia,
Morgan, Maya, Zinzi, Clarke, Jude, and AK; and to all who mourn
his passing; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns
this day, it do so in memory of Edward Greer.
Blanco
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 25, 2025,
by a rising vote.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate