Ralph William Greer, Jr.

February 19, 2020 Longtime journalist, Ralph Greer, passed away Monday, February 17, 2020 at the age of 91. Born December 9, 1928 in Spartanburg, a son of the late Ralph William Greer, Sr. and Launa Wood Greer. Ralph was a graduate of Union High School and attended Wofford College and the University of South Carolina. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church and a Veteran of the United States Naval Reserve. Ralph served in many capacities in Union County, including being a volunteer fireman and heading the Red Cross Chapter of Union. Ralph began his reporting career at WBCU in 1957. In 1960 he joined the Spartanburg Hearld Journal as Bureau Chief of the Union County News Bureau and in 1969 he became Bureau Chief of the Columbia News Bureau reporting from the South Carolina State House as well as from Union County. During his 19 years at the Statehouse he served 15 years as chairman of the South Carolina Capital Press Corps. His duties as chairman required him to work closely with the Governors, Lieutenant Governors, Speakers of the House of Representatives, and Presidents of the Senate during those times. His job as chairman also put him in close contact with the chairmen of the various legislative committees, the Secret Service and SLED. In 1995, he retired from the Spartanburg Hearld to become self-employed as a media consultant and later edited a weekly Spartanburg County paper. After he left the weekly paper, he wrote and published a book, "Sunshine, Sunshine, Sunshine," the story of Bill "Oogie" Brown and the people of Union County who loved him. From 2001 until 2007 Ralph worked at the Union Daily Times where he wrote feature stories and a weekly column, "Reflections." In October 2009, the Union County News opened, and Ralph joined as an original staff member and continued his weekly "Reflections" column. Surviving are his wife of over 69 years, Regenia Garner Greer of the home; two daughters, Margaret Anthony "Toni" Greer of the home and Leslie Greer Kiser of Charleston; a granddaughter, Caroline Greer Kiser of Charleston; and a son-in-law, Jonathan Noel Kiser, Sr. of Charleston. In addition to his parents he is predeceased by his grandson, Jonathan Noel "Jack" Kiser, Jr. A private graveside service will be held Saturday, February 22, 2020. A public celebration of life service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 21, 2020 at Grace United Methodist Church conducted by Rev. David Bauknight. A visitation and reception will immediately following the services in the church fellowship hall. Memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 201 S. Church St., Union, SC 29379 or to the American Heart Association, 156 Milestone Way, Ste A, Greenville, SC 29615.