Woodbridge Parker Greene

Woodbridge Parker Greene, 86, of Valdosta, died on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 after a period of declining health. He was born Dec. 3, 1932, in Thomaston, GA to the late Woodbridge & Mildred Parker Greene. He graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Thomaston in 1951 and went on to attend the Georgia Institute of Technology from 1951-1953. After serving in the U. S. Army, he then continued his studies at the University of Georgia with a major in Business Administration. He also attended business seminars at Northwestern University.

Mr. Greene served in the U. S. Army from 1953-1955. During that time, he was assigned to the Safety Education Division of the Georgia Department of Public Safety where he made safety presentations to schools and civic groups. He was part of a three-man security detail for President Eisenhower during the President’s trips to Georgia. From 1957 to 1986, Mr. Greene was a Manager for Rhodes Furniture Company, Inc. He worked in this capacity in Gadsden, Alabama, in Burlington, North Carolina, in Gainesville, Florida, and in Valdosta, Georgia.

Mr. Greene was the first Squadron Commander of the “White Knuckle” Squadron, a unit formed by local civic leaders who have received orientation flights in Moody AFB aircraft. He served as chairman, Military Affairs Committee of the Valdosta/Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce from 1972 to 1985. Then, in 1991, Mr. Greene helped establish the Moody Support Group, which was formed by the City, County and many local business owners in order to provide a more concentrated effort toward strengthening the established relationships with Moody AFB extending to the total Air Force. Parker was asked to be the Executive Director of that organization and has served in that capacity to the present.

Mr. Greene was the 1978-79 Vice President of the Valdosta/Lowndes County Chamber of Commerce. He has served Rotary International in Burlington, NC, Gainesville, FL, and Valdosta, GA, as well as Kiwanis Clubs of America in Gainesville and Valdosta. He served as scoutmaster in the Gadsden, AL Boy Scout Council and as a fundraiser for the Alapaha Area Boy Scout Council, GA, and the Burlington, NC YMCA Board. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Valdosta State College/University Foundation.

Since 1970, Mr. Greene has also served on the local Red Carpet Committee, welcoming newcomers to Moody AFB. Mr. Greene is an active member of the ACC Commander’s Air Power Support Group as well as the National Civic Leader Group for the USAF Chief of Staff. In the Fall of 2000, Mr. Greene was presented the DISTINGUISHED CITIZEN award by the Alapaha Area Boy Scout Council. Air Force Chief of Staff, General Michael Ryan came to Valdosta to make the presentation for the award. Parker is a member of the University of Georgia Gridiron Society and Sigma Alpha Epsilon Alumnae organization. Mr. Greene is a member of the First United Methodist Church in Valdosta, where he has served on the Administrative Board.

Mr. Greene is survived by his wife Dr. Lucy R. Greene of Valdosta; a daughter and son in law, Sharon & Jeff Austin, of Seabrook Island, SC; and a son Woodbridge Parker “Buck” Greene, Jr. of Cumming, GA; a sister, Della Jo Turner of Thomaston; a sister in law, Dr. Doris M. Robertson of Atlanta; his god son, Andrew Lazarski of Alexandria, VA and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and great nephews.

A celebration of life event will be held for Mr. Greene at Moody Air Force Base, Thursday, March 14, 2019 at 10 A. M. with a reception to follow at the Moody Field Club. Condolences may be conveyed on the McLane obituary page at www.mclanecares.com. The Greene family would like to express their individual appreciation for all of the condolences and kindnesses already expressed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made by check to the Friends and Family Support Fund at Moody AFB c/o Gail Brown, 4851 Burrell Street, Building 404, Moody AFB, GA 31699, or to your favorite charity.