Samuel Thiral Greer Jr., 80, of Melody Lane, died Saturday, Aug. 16, 2014, at Hospice of Wendover.  A native of Cleveland County, he was the son of the late Samuel T. and Faye Kidd Greer.  He served in the Navy Aviation as an Aviation Ordnance Senior Chief, and retired from Nationwide Insurance Company.  He was past Commander of American Legion Post 82, Shelby Amateur Radio Club, and chairman of Shelby Airport Commission.  He was a charter member of Westview Baptist Church, and was an avid photographer and radio operator for the Navy’s Military Affiliate Radio System.

PRECEDED: In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Greer; sisters, Peggy Percival and Ninkey McMullen and her husband Bill; father and mother-in-law, Jesse Wilson and Myrtle C. Borders; and brother-in-laws, Bud Banta and Bobby Rainey.

SURVIVED:  He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Iris Champion Greer, of the home; sons, Gregory S. Greer and wife Linda of Cornelius, and Erick R. Greer and wife Susan of Myrtle Beach; sisters, Anne Banta of Orlando, FL and Marjorie Rainey of Rockingham, NC; and brother, Doug Greer of Little River, SC; sister-in-law, Sarah Greer of Shelby; grandchildren, Brandon and Tatiana Greer.

SERVICES:  Tuesday, 3p.m., at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home Chapel

VISITATION:  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, at the funeral home.

BURIAL: New Hope Baptist Church Cemetery with military honor’s

CLERGY: Dr. Rick Bowling

MEMORIALS: Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Dr., Shelby, NC  28150 or American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place, Glen Allen, VA  23060

FUNERAL HOME:    Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby