Jerry Greene, former president of Mississippi-based Hotel & Restaurant Supply, passed away peacefully on Feb. 24. Often defined as a true southern gentleman, Jerry was loved, admired, and respected by all who knew him for his kindness, gentleness and judiciousness.
Jerry was born in Mobile, Alabama on Feb. 9, 1943. His family returned to Meridian, Mississippi when he was 10 years old. Jerry attended and graduated from Meridian High School, having been the quarterback on the Wildcats’ 1960-61 team. Many people who grew up in Meridian still call him by his high school nickname, “Rocket.”
He attended Ole Miss during his freshman year and later transferred to Auburn University to study architecture. After graduating from Auburn in December 1965 and completing training to serve in the 186th Air National Guard, Jerry began working with his father, P.B. Greene, for Hotel & Restaurant Supply in June 1966.
Jerry worked, served, and led H&R faithfully, intensely, and compassionately for more than 55 years. Under his guidance, along with a team of talented coworkers, H&R has expanded to a national scope with seven locations in Mississippi, Tennessee and Alabama. This year, 2023, marks its 70th year in business and it is included in the Mississippi Business Journal’s list of top 100 private businesses.
Jerry was very engaged in the foodservice equipment and supplies industry by serving on various industry boards. In 2010, he was honored to receive the prestigious Food Service Equipment and Supply, FE&S, “Hall of Fame Award” for “a career marked by honest, integrity and humility.”
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Marilyn Edlund Greene; daughter, Merrick Greene Jackson (Stephen, Sr); son, Mason Reynolds Greene (Grace); six grandchildren (who adored their Gramps!): Mary Griffin Jackson, Stephen Blanks Jackson, Jr., Nancy Greene, Miriam Greene, Reynolds Greene, Phoebe Greene; sister, Joyce Greene Welsh; and niece, Kimberly Welsh Ferguson.