Elder Emory Wade Greenlee

Elder Emory Wade Greenlee was born on November 21, 1942, to the late Thomas Hugh

Greenlee and Emma Payne Greenlee in Pinetop, Glen St. Mary’s, FL. He is affectionately known as “Uncle Wade” to many who loved and cherished him.

Emory graduated from Williston Vocational High School in Williston, FL, and proudly served more than 2 years in the United States Army.

In 1967, Emory moved to Jacksonville, FL, where he met and married the love of his life, Mamie Doris Rankin Greenlee.

Emory dedicated 26 years of service to Florida Physicians Insurance Company (FPIC) before retiring. However, his passion for community involvement and sports led him to establish the Jacksonville Traveling Umpires Association (JTUA), also known as the Jax Traveling Umpires Association. Under the leadership of Emory and Kimberly Nivala, JTUA grew into the largest traveling umpire association in Florida, employing over 125 umpires. Today, Kimberly continues to uphold the legacy of excellence that she and Emory established together. Emory was a Welder by Trade of Tennessee. Once Emory accepted Christ Jesus into his life, everything took a turn for His Good. He was a member of the Ministerial Alliance. Emory was a Faithful member of Faust Temple COGIC under the leadership of Pastor Clarence Jones where he served as a Senior Elder. Not only were Elder Clarence & Lady Lula his Leaders, but they were the Best of Friends. Friends that you can Always Depend On! Friends that stick with you like Family! He was a part of the Early Morning Prayer Group at Faust Temple COGIC. He was also the Asst. Leader of District # 4. He was a member of MOD, Men of Distinction, a singing group. Emory loved to Sing. Anyone that knew him could attest to that. The main message Emory would relay to the People was “LOVE & FORGIVENESS. Emory’s life was a Reflection of those words.

Emory was preceded in death by his beloved son, Wade Fitzgerald Greenlee, his parents, Thomas & Emma Greenlee, 3 sisters, Emma Jean, Nancy & Mary Frances, 5 brothers, Thomas Jr., Charles, Earl, Nathaniel & Larry.

He leaves to cherish his memory is his devoted wife, Mamie Doris Greenlee; son, Daryle Greenlee; brother, Roy Lamar Greenlee; sister, Ethel Greenlee Brinson; grandchildren, Marshay Greenlee, Nytrell Greenlee, Jassmine Greenlee, Amani Greenlee, and Joshua Greenlee; great-grandchildren, Jayla Greenlee, Zayden Greenlee, Nylani Greenlee, Nyanna Greenlee and Elsie Analeiah Santos; and a host of nephews, nieces, and dear friends.

Emory had a special bond with many in his life, including his best friend of all time, Glen Watson (Debbie); his high school best friend, Elijah “BIG” Brown (Jacqueline); and his cherished friends and neighbors, Eugene & Beverly Oglesby, Jesse & Ethel Goodman and Willie & Elizabeth Pearson. His love for softball also connected him with lifelong friends Kimberly Nivala, Joe Stewart, and Elvis (Buster) Conley.

Elder Greenlee’s kindness, leadership, and unwavering dedication to his family, friends, and community will forever be remembered. His legacy of love and service will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.