Coach Ronald L. Greene, 82, of Murray, passed away on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House.
Ron was born on December 27, 1938 in Terre Haute, IN to the late Paul and Ruth Dowen Greene. He proudly served his country in the United States Army.
Coach loved the game of basketball and was a winner every step of the way. A few of his accomplishments include being inducted into 5 Halls of Fame (Super Dome, Louisiana, University of New Orleans, Murray State University and Indiana Silver Anniversary Team). He was also named the SEC Coach of the Year at Mississippi State. At Murray State he orchestrated the biggest turnaround in NCAA history, and after the inaugural season, chalked up 115 victories, three OVC championships and three National Invitational Tournament (NIT) appearances in 6 years.
He has been a pillar of the Murray community for the last 50 years. One of his greatest passions was the love of his family and friends. He loved his wife of almost 60 years, his siblings, his children and their spouses, and his 12 grandchildren fiercely. He had a tremendous sense of loyalty and adored his long term golf buddies and friends. He cherished spending quality time with each of them. He loved excellence and instilled in each of us the importance of family, values, and hard work.
Those left to cherish many wonderful memories include his loving wife, Ailene Greene of Murray; two sons, Chip Greene (Kriston) of Springhill, TN, David Greene of Naples, FL; daughters, Monica Schyck (Steve) of Winter Garden, FL, Kim Stone (Niels IV) of Naples, FL, Becky English (Mark) of Almo; a sister, Mary Kaye Cartwright (Gary) of Chandler, AZ; a brother, Mike Greene of Terre Haute, IN; grandchildren, Preston English, Niels Stone, Trey Schyck, Konnor Stone, Madison Greene, Ailey Schyck, Lincoln English, Kiley Stone, Jackson Greene, Presley Greene, Dawson Greene and Kendyll English.
The funeral for Coach Ron Greene is set for 12 PM on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at the Heritage Chapel of Imes Funeral Home, 1804 Highway 121 Bypass North, Murray. Joey Adair and Sammy Cunningham will officiate and burial with military honors will follow at Murray City Cemetery.
His family welcomes visitors from 5 PM – 8 PM on Friday, April 2, 2021 and from 10 AM – 12 PM on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at the Heritage Chapel.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.
Please join family and friends in honoring the life of Coach Ron Greene by visiting www.imesfh.com and posting your tributes and memories.
The Heritage Chapel is entrusted with caring for the family of Coach Ron Greene.