James ‘Hank’ Greenley

James “Hank” Greenley, 87, of Tamms, died Friday, May 24, 2024 at his home.

He was born on Feb. 18, 1937, in Willard, the son of Lloyd and Beatrice Switzer Greenley.   

He married Lena Cox on March 9, 1963. She preceded him in death Aug. 24, 2014. He then married Ellen Fitzgerald Shupe on March 19, 2016.

Mr. Greenley was a 1955 graduate of Anna-Jonesboro Community High School.

He then served for four years in the U.S. Air Force in Japan as an aircraft mechanic working on B-52s.  His life’s work was as a carman for GM&O Railroad and later ICG.  

As a young man he played softball and loved mowing. He was a member of Sandy Creek Baptist Church.  

His father was an avid baseball fan and in the 1930s, there was a famous player, Hank Greenberg, so James became Hank – that’s how he was known his whole life.

Survivors include his wife, Ellen; step-sons Tim (Phyllis) Dakin and Shawn (Shannon) Dakin; step-son-in-law Bill Harrell; step-grandchildren Nicholas (Mary Ellen) Dakin, Brittany Dakin, Amy Harrell, and Kim (Ray) Kang; step-great-grandchildren Chelsea and Rachel; nephew Clinton (Barb) Greenley; and niece Betty Greenley.

Besides his parents, he was also preceded in death by his step-daughter, Effie Harrell; step-son Clifford Bennett; brothers Harold, Gordon and Charles; sister Mary Hale; and a nephew, Clayton Greenley.

Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms, with the Rev. Robin Reid officiating.  Burial with military honors followed at St. John’s Cemetery near Dongola.

Memorials can be made to Sandy Creek Baptist Church.

Crain Funeral Home in Tamms was in charge of arrangements.

To view the obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.