TITLE: In memory of Edward Greer of El Paso.

SUMMARY: In memory of Edward Greer of El Paso.

FULL TEXT:
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.