Garth M. Greer, 83, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. He was born Oct. 18, 1935, in St. Johns, the ninth and last child of Thomas Lacy Greer and Nellie Martha Thomas. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Centennial Chapel in Taylor, with a 9:30 a.m. viewing. Interment will follow at 1:30 p.m. at the St. Johns Cemetery. During his childhood, Garth spent time at home in St. Johns as well as in Flagstaff with his grandparents. He was very energetic and had many exciting adventures as a child. Garth excelled both academically and athletically. He played football and basketball but his forte was on the basketball court. The court was where he caught the eye of a dark-haired young lady who became his wife. Garth and May Rice were married on Jan. 21, 1955. Soon after their wedding, Garth left for Army boot camp in Fort Ord, Calif., and later was stationed at Fort Benning, Ga. He had a life-long love of music, which began when he was the guitarist in a small western band. He was also known to play the harmonica, guitar and drums at the same time. Country music was in his blood. He enjoyed sharing his love of football with his sons and later, his grandsons. He loved green chili, classic cars and spending time with family. Garth’s work ethic was exemplary and has influenced the lives of his posterity. He took pride in providing for his family. Over the years, he worked in construction, as a mail carrier, had his own sheet metal business and spent many years working at the Snowflake Paper Mill. He is survived by his wife, May R. Greer of Taylor; daughters, Kathy (Peter) Shaw of Farmington, N.M., Debby (Kyle) Miller of Taylor and Vanessa (Jeff) Emerson of Mesa; sons, Brian (Linda) Greer of Pleasant Grove, Utah, and Anthony (Rachel) Greer of Peoria; 19 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Elaine Short and Betty Eager. Garth was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers and three sisters. Silver Creek Mortuary handled the arrangements.
