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John Greene Memorial Bridge

Writer's picture: Road Trip ClassRoad Trip Class

Updated: May 23, 2019

By Morgan Adcock

MTSU/Seigenthaler News Service

County Commissioner Tom Stinnett lifts Eli Greene, 7, as the boy unveils the sign for the John Greene Memorial Bridge.

One year and two weeks after the worst day of her life, Randi Greene watched as a covering was removed from a sign naming a bridge in her community for her late husband, John.


About 100 yards away on the opposite side of busy Highway 321 was the intersection with Lane Drive where the motorcycle John and she were riding on May 4, 2018. According to authorities, the couple’s Harley Davidson was struck by a Lexus SUV that drove into their path. Randi survived her injuries, but her husband of several decades did not.


Joined for the early Saturday ceremony by her two sons, Jeffrey and Jonathan, and a few dozen of other relatives and many friends, the widow listened as County Commissioner Tom Stinnett read a proclamation passed by the full commission at its meeting on May 16.


“John Greene epitomizes the word servant as he was known for sacrificing his own time to help others in need not only within his church body but people within his community,” Stinnett read from the resolution. He was forced to speak louder than usual because of the noise from passing vehicles.

Stinnett thanked the commission and other county officials for making the honor a reality. He said that naming the bridge that spans a narrow, babbling creek on Lane Drive for Greene is a fitting memorial.

Randi Greene was emotional as she talked of her late husband. “He was one of the most thoughtful people. I used to aggravate him. I’d say you’re too good for your own good. He was well loved,” she said.


John Greene was the owner of John Greene Builders, a construction company in Blount County. He also served as a deacon at Friendsville First Baptist Church for over 25 years where he actively sought out ways to help the elderly.

“John Greene touched the lives of many but had a special place in his heart for elderly people and widows and gave selflessly to those in need by providing assistance and repair work at very little to no cost,” Stinnett added.


Eli Greene, the 7-year-old great nephew of John Greene had the honor of removing the covering for the memorial sign that's closest to Highway 321. He was lifted up high by Stinnett to unveil the sign.


Randi Greene had tears in her eyes thinking about her late husband. “I’m so proud for him. His kids, his grandkids and their kids are going to remember him this way.”


Her son, Jeffrey, continued that thought. “It’s definitely deserving, he’s the best of all of us. He definitely deserved it. He left a mark on everybody he met.”


 

Morgan Adcock is a Middle Tennessee State University journalism student. She is in Blount County as part of a feature writing class call the Road Trip Class.      


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