Obituary
Eddie Greene–loving husband, father and grandfather, esteemed lawyer and revered judge–passed away May 23, 2023, leaving behind a void in the hearts of all who knew him.
Born June 27, 1944 in Biscoe, North Carolina, Eddie led a life filled with purpose and passion. He was the “bow tied” embodiment of integrity, continuously striving to make a positive impact on the lives of others and his community.
Eddie married Joan, his wife of 57 years, on August 6, 1966. He was proud of the personal and professional accomplishments of his daughter, Reagan and son, Kelly. Eddie’s grandchildren, Cole, Brooke, and Harper, were a source of immense joy in his life.
Eddie enjoyed learning and teaching, which became evident throughout his career. After graduating from East Carolina College where he served as Student Body President, he attended University of North Carolina School of Law and served as the President of the Student Bar Association. Eddie later earned his Masters of Law from the University of Virginia Law School and was admitted to practice in the U.S. Supreme Court.
He started his legal career in Dunn where he practiced law and, upon recognition of his natural wisdom and judicial temperament, was soon encouraged to run for a judicial post by law partner Robert Morgan, a former U.S. Senator. Eddie transitioned to “Judge Greene” and served as a District Court judge in Harnett, Johnston and Lee counties. He was elected to the North Carolina Court of Appeals in 1986, winning re-election in 1990 and 1998. Memorably, he campaigned in 1998 by traveling across the state on bicycle from Murphy to Ocracoke.
For 24 years, Eddie presided over countless cases and touched all parts of the state that he loved. An expert in family and juvenile law, Eddie became an adjunct professor at Campbell University and UNC. Eddie’s exemplary service to the Old North State was recognized when he received the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine award from the Governor in 2016. After leaving the court, he practiced appellate litigation at Wyrick Robbins in Raleigh.
He found peace and reward working the farm, keeping bees, hiking, watching a thunderstorm while sipping a good bourbon (Pappy’s), enjoying a family meal at the Homeplace, playing a round of golf with his friends, and being with his beloved dog Scout.
Eddie was predeceased by his father, Jonah, his mother, Helen, and his sister, Betty Gail. He is survived by his loving wife, Joan; his children, Reagan and Kelly; his grandchildren, Cole, Brooke, and Harper; his sisters, Genevieve and Jenelle; and sidekick Scout. The loss of Eddie will be deeply felt by his family, friends, and the community he touched so profoundly.
A celebration of life will be held on July 18, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the historic Chatham County Courthouse at 9 Hillsboro Street, Pittsboro, NC 27312.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the “Judge K. Edward and Joan P. Greene Public Service Scholarship Fund” at the UNC School of Law. This Fund was established in 2016 to support the education and development of future public servants. Donations can be made online at https://give.unc.edu/donate?f=255635&p=slaw or by check payable to “UNC Law Foundation Inc.” (please put the name of the scholarship on the memo line and mail to UNC School of Law, Attn: Office of Advancement, 160 Ridge Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27514).