Rick Wallace Greene

Rick Wallace Greene ("Ricky" actually but he thought the Y made him sound childish) of Sneedville TN passed away on the morning of December 11th 2022 at the age of 58, after a brief time at Hancock Manor. Rick was a 1982 graduate of Hancock County High School where he played forward on the basketball team, often hearing his dad yell "get out of the corner Rick!". He earned his Associates degree in Criminal Justice at Walter State Community College, then decided that wasn't for him. He then became a business owner, purchasing Publix Gas Station in Sneedville until he pursued his passion.From the time he was a teenager Rick had fought what he thought was his true calling --to work with dead people (not ghosts). He eventually accepted that calling, earning his Associates degree in Funeral Service from John A Gupton College in Nashville in 1990.Over a career span of more than 20 years Rick worked at several funeral homes in Nashville as a Funeral Director and Embalmer, with the last one being Marshall-Donnelly-Combs Funeral Home. He was compassionate with the families he served and had a real heart for this profession.Missing East TN, Rick transitioned out of the funeral industry and moved back to his roots in Sneedville. He spent the last several years of his life farming alongside his dad and Uncle Terry.Rick was a funny guy, often laughing as hard at himself as others would laugh at/with him. And when he laughed, his whole upper body would shake as he wiped the tears of laughter streaming down his face. He loved soup beans, cornbread and a big slice of onion. He also liked to say "pull my finger" if anyone was around after that meal. Rick was an amazing guitar & banjo player as well as a singer, though very seldom were we graced with his singing voice. He enjoyed Bluegrass music most of all and would often sit around a bonfire picking and grinning with his cousins and friends. It's no surprise that O Brother Where Art Though was his favorite movie. He was a big fan of golf, pork rinds, Mt Dew and Marlboro Lights (until prices got too high, moving him to Sonoma brand which was disgusting so it helped him cut back on his smoking habit). Rick watched Gunsmoke and Andy Griffith almost every night. He could probably speak the lines of every episode. Reunited with his dad Carlin who had passed only six weeks prior to his own death, the family is comforted knowing they are rejoicing together. Rick is most likely also reunited with the two toes he accidently shot off back in the 80's when he forgot to uncock a shotgun. He always said that toe-less space on his foot provided a good footstool for his other foot to rest in. He was such likeable guy, fun to be around and loved by so many. Rick loved his two children more than life. He was a member of Sneedville First Baptist Church.He is survived by his children Courtney and Zachary Greene of Nashville, his former spouse and mother of his children Telisa Banniza of Nashville, mother Arkie T Greene of Sneedville, brother Dr Jeff (Twila) Greene of Columbia TN, sister Amy (Preston) Cannon of Brentwood TN, nephews Ben, Will and Davis, niece HarperHe is preceded in death by his father Carlin Greene, paternal grandparents Clay and Mabel Greene, maternal grandparents Jess and Cornie Trent all of Sneedville. Contributions may be made in Rick's memory by way of a kind deed to a stranger, gift to a homeless person, or patience with family during this holiday season. Rick will lay in state from 12PM to 4PM on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at Sneedville First Baptist Church. Family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 14, 2022 from 5 to 7PM at Sneedville First Baptist Church with a funeral service to follow at 7PM with Rev. Ken Hopkins officiating. Family and friends will meet at McNeil Funeral Home on Thursday, December 15, 2022 at 10:30AM to go in procession to Trent Family Cemetery for an 11AM graveside service. Pallbearers: Rodney Greene, Roger Greene, Doug Garland, Aaron Seal, Josh Hale, Donnie Seal, David Seal, Davis Cannon.Read Obituary