The Passing of Clarence Greek
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Clarence Greek, President Emeritus of Clan Gillean. Our thoughts and hearts go out to the family of Clarence.
Clarence Norman Greek was born June 1, 1927 in Waynesboro, Tennessee and died March 2, 2016 at 12:07 pm at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital.
Mr. Greek graduated from East Nashville High School in 1945 where he served as Commanding Officer of the ROTC with the rank of Cadet Major. He was a member of the ROTC Basketball Team and ranked number one on the high school golf team. After he graduated from East High, he served in the US Navy V5 Officers Training School. . .
Mr. Greek graduated from East Nashville High School in 1945 where he served as Commanding Officer of the ROTC with the rank of Cadet Major. He was a member of the ROTC Basketball Team and ranked number one on the high school golf team. After he graduated from East High, he served in the US Navy V5 Officers Training School at the University of the South, Sewanee, TN, and the University of Louisville before receiving his Bachelors of Civil Engineering from Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.
Mr. Greek married Bobbye Carolyn West on March 31, 1950 at Russell Street Presbyterian Church, Nashville. He is survived by his wife, Bobbye, and daughter, Carolyn (William) Powers, son, James (Patti) Greek, two grandchildren: Michael Read and Melissa Clare Powers and great-grandson, Lucas Read Powers. His parents were the late Clarence Jesse Greek and Mary Camilla Norman Greek. He is also preceded in death by his only brother, Dr. William Jesse Greek, Springfield, IL.
Mr. Greek was a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church, during the various moves required by his occupation. He served as teacher of the adult class when needed. He shared his business knowledge serving for many years as an elder in various Presbyterian Churches.
His professional experience began with Hoge, Warren, Zimmermann Construction Company where he served as sales manager, estimator, and installation superintendent for five Eastern states from 1950 to 1954. He became employed by D.R. Selley Construction Company where each estimator did his own work and was in charge of all areas of construction. He built a school, hospital and shopping mall. A joint venture of Oman, Farnsworth and Wright brought a move of his family to Karachi, Pakistan from August, 1956 to July, 1961. This added the building experience of 5 major items: air fields, ammunition depots, Navy wharfs and Marine railroads. Mr. Greek was contract manager for Oro Dam Constructors for construction of Oroville (CA) Dam, the world’s tallest earth filled dam. Due to his work, Mr. Greek traveled the world including Australia, Africa and China before he retired.
His first years of retirement were filled with the coming awareness of his Scottish heritage and the enjoyment of working and participating in Scottish Highland Games from Maine to Colorado. He became involved with the Scottish Clan Maclean, serving several terms as President of the organization. He also served many years as Vice President of the Heart of Tennessee Scottish Celebration.
Clarence was a man who enjoyed people, loved by all for his spontaneous joy of life. He was the perfect family man, being a loving husband, a most loved father and grandfather. He was a person known for his thoughtfulness, generosity and love for life.
A Memorial Service for Clarence will be held at the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 907 E. Main St., Murfreesboro, TN on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 2:00 pm with visitation afterwards.
Memorials may be made to the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in his memory.
Clarence Norman Greek was born June 1, 1927 in Waynesboro, Tennessee and died March 2, 2016 at 12:07 pm at St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital.
