By MOLLIE BROWN / Community Columnist

For many years a familiar sight on Montevallo streets has been Clyde Greer as he walks along at a sprightly pace with a happy smile on his face and waving or calling out to friends along the way.

As a matter of fact, Clyde claims the easy walking and the friendly people are the main reasons he lives in this town.

He came to Montevallo in 1982 to become minister of music, youth and education at Montevallo First Baptist Church, where he served for 19 years.

Denise George, who has been a fellow choir member, said, “Clyde Greer is a wonderful man who has a great love for the Lord, for people, for family and for his community. He often entertains his friends with funny jokes and amusing stories. In addition to all of this is God’s gift of a beautiful voice that he often shares in church solos. I guess I could just say he’s a gentle spirit with a kind heart, a beautiful voice and a delightful sense of humor.”

Clyde was born in Birmingham where his father was then a student at Samford University (Howard College). Following in his dad’s footsteps, the ministry became a natural choice. He grew up in the Birmingham and South Alabama areas, finishing high school in Geneva.

His first degree was in music and earned at William Carey in Hattiesburg, Miss., where he met his lifelong love, Margie. After graduation, Clyde went to New Orleans Baptist Seminary for a religious education degree.

Clyde and Margie married in 1962 and have just celebrated 50 years with a party given by their three sons, David, James and Phillip, and five grandchildren.

Clyde retired from Montevallo First Baptist in 2002, but he didn’t just quit; he worked as coordinator of ministries at Shelby Baptist Association for the next three years. Since then their life has been very full.

“Now I really enjoy retirement,” said Clyde. “Everything just fell into place for us to retire here. We had bought our first house here and we’ve always loved Montevallo. I love going to church, singing in the choir, and attending a Sunday school class where someone else teaches — all with no pressure. And I do love the people and the fact that I can walk wherever I want, and I do love to walk.”

 

Catherine Legg can be reached by email at clegg2@bellsouth.net