David Phillip Greene, 87, of Shelby, passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at his home.

Born in Cleveland County, on July 15, 1935, he was a son of the late Albert Walton Greene and Corene Grigg Greene. Papaw was born a farmer who loved the land and growing crops, especially corn. He lived his whole life on Greene Brothers Dairy, where he milked cows until he stopped to care for our mom. Mom loved life and dad loved his family, especially the 54 years he shared with mom. We rejoice that He is in the arms of his savior, and reunited with the love of his life, as well his brothers and friends, Albert and Gilbert. He was a former board member for Farmers Mutual, and lifelong member of Double Springs Baptist Church. He loved his nieces and nephews and was always the uncle that gave truck and tractor rides when one of them would flag him down in the summer. He shared a love of farming life with his nephew, Steve Greene, helping Steve become the 6th generation to farm the land that dad loved so much.

Dad spent his life quietly and generously giving to others, especially his children and grandchildren, that he always wanted to have a better life than he did. Dad shared a very special relationship with his grandson, Andrew White, who loved and cared for Papaw, keeping the promise that Dad would remain on the farm he loved until he moved to his eternal home. Dad mentored Andrew, teaching him the art and business of farming, and continuing the legacy of the family farm into the 7th generation.

In addition to his parents he preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Spangler Greene; two brothers, Gilbert Greene and wife Nancy and Albert Greene; a sister-in-law Shirley F. Greene; a brother-in-law, Paul Reichle.

He is survived by his two sons, David Greene and wife Karen of Gastonia and Tom Greene and wife Tina of Des Moines, Iowa; a daughter, Phillis White and husband Joey of Shelby; three brothers, Bobby Greene of Shelby, Randall Greene and wife Glenda of Shelby and Henry Greene and wife Susan of Mint Hill; a sister, June Carol Reichle of Fayetteville; a sister-in-law, Sara Greene; seven grandchildren, Allen White of Shelby, Andrew White and wife Carmen of Shelby, Phillip James Greene of Washington DC; Kenneth Thomas Greene and wife Claire of Bentonville, Arkansas, Ninali Sanchez and husband Phillip of Novato, California, Drew Hibyan of Cary and Aaron Hibyan and fiancée Kinsey Reber of Charlotte; eight great grandchildren, Phillip Thomas "PT" Sanchez; Isaak Sanchez, Mateo Sanchez, Eneli Sanchez, Emma Rose Greene, Andi Blake White, Calvin Phillip White, and Sebastian Cade Greene.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, February 4, from 11:00 am to 12 Noon at Double Springs Baptist Church.

The funeral service will be held on Satruday at Noon at Double Springs Baptist Church with the Rev. Derek Greene and Rev Ronald Roberts officiating.

The burial will follow the service in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Double Springs Baptist Church, 1130 Double Springs Church Road, Shelby, NC 28150, Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150 or to Helping Hands, 407 W Warren St, Shelby, NC 28150.

A guest register is available at www.stameytysingerfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., Fallston, NC.