Committal
John Dexter Greene, age 89, died December 11th, 2025, at Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC. John resided at 500 Lenoir Road at Grace Ridge Retirement Community.
Born in Durham County, North Carolina on October 27, 1936 he was the only child of Benjamin Franklin Greene and Mildred Davis Greene. John grew up in Morganton where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and graduated from Morganton High School. He began his collegiate studies at The Citadel, then transferred during his sophomore year to the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, becoming an avid Tar Heel fan for life.
Following graduation from UNC in 1958, John and wife Jane Bowers Greene moved to Charlotte, North Carolina where he began a career in insurance, first in sales then as an adjuster.
In 1963 John and Jane returned to Morganton where he entered the automobile business with his father-in-law at Tux Bowers Motor Company. Upon the death of Tux in 1972, John became president and dealer principle until the dealership (John Greene Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram) was sold in 2021- a remarkable 58-year tenure.
John enjoyed life to the fullest! He was an avid Tar Heel fan as well as an Appalachian State Mountaineer fan after both of his children and a grandson graduated from there. He attended sporting events, recitals, and other activities where his children and grandchildren participated. Golf was a favorite pastime where he enjoyed the outdoors, the companionship of playing partner, and the challenge of the game. A new passion for hickory stick golf developed in his senior years. It seemed confusing that someone would choose to make a difficult game more difficult, but the travel, experiences, and new friends he made playing with his hickories brought him great joy.
The lists of how John served his faith and community are too immense to catalog and would not reflect his humble character. The rewards of his tireless commitments were the friendships he fostered with those he partnered with for success.
John was honored to serve as the North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association Chairman and was recognized as a Lifetime Achievement recipient. He represented North Carolina as the Time Magazine Dealer of the Year in 2006. John was inducted into The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Society. Boy Scouts of America honored John with the Silver Beaver Award and he was also honored as Morganton’s Rotary 2014 Man of the Year.
John was a member of First United Methodist Church, where he served on numerus committees and worshipped faithfully. John will be remembered for his unprecedented generosity.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years Jane Greene. He is survived by daughter, Teresa Greene Norman (Dan) of Blowing Rock, NC and son, John Dexter Greene Jr (Connie) of Nebo, NC.
Grandchildren: Ashley N Smith (Jeff), Lydia N DuMont (Tyler), James R “Jim Bob” Norman (Kenia), Ben C Norman (Tiffany), Haley Marie G Williams (Drew), Kerri G Terry (John Paul); Great-grandchildren: Jacob, Daniel, Cam, Lilah, Freedom, Silas, Bennett, Weston, Evelyn Jane, Andrew Marie (Annie), John Anderson and Miles Drew.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at First United Methodist Church in Morganton. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall following the service. The service will be live-streamed on the Facebook page of First United Methodist Church Morganton (facebook.com/fumcmorganton) or YouTube (youtube.com/@firstumcmorganton).
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may made to The Building Preservation Fund at First United Methodist Church Morganton or a charity of your choice.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Mr Greene was a good friend of my dad’s and I know my father always valued his good friendship. My dad would some years have Mr Greene up to his mountain house for his annual friendly mini golf tournament. A bunch of friends stayed at my dads mountain house which had several big beds but also a couple single beds in the “kid room”- I know sometimes Mr Greene would sleep in the small bed - the imagery- he umm was not what you’d call a short man haha - that’s the kind of man he was he’d take the small bed for a friendship any day! . RIP Mr Greene
Teresa and Johnny and families, I was so sorry to hear the news yesterday from Linda Connelly of John’s death. He and Daddy were cousins and friends and both exemplified living good lives with integrity and great care for others. It is hard to see that generation go. We are sorry as well to be missing the service tomorrow. Please know that we will be thinking of you all.
With our deepest sympathy, we are thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. May the love and support of those around you bring comfort, and may cherished memories help guide you through the days ahead. — Team Auto Group
Dear Johnny and Connie, Please know that I am thinking about you these days and hope that time passing will bring you peace. Your parents were always lovely and kind. Prayers for your family, Winn
So sorry to learn about John. I had many nice visits with him while he was in rehab here at GR. It is wonderful that your large family group was with him here for Thanksgiving lunch!
To the entire Greene family, I offer my condolences. John Greene was a decent, compassionate man and supported several of our community efforts. May GOD strengthen you all as you move through these most difficult days ahead.
It has been a high honor to know John Greene. His positive attributes are many - his kindness, his leadership and his commitment to his family, church and community. Rest in peace, John and peace to your family.
Dear Greene family, It was a joy for us when we decided on moving to Grace Ridge and being able to have good conversations with John. We observed that he was truly loved here in our Morganton community. The obit addressed his life so well. Heaven has gained a saint. May Christ peace be with you as you navigate the grieving process.