Garth Rex Greer

Garth Rex Greer, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and esteemed member of the community, passed away on July 2, 2024, at the age of 85. Well known for his integrity, his dedication to family, his professional career, and his cowboy hat, Rex left an indelible mark on all who had the honor of knowing him.

Born on December 8, 1938, in East Bernstadt, Kentucky, Rex was the eldest of seven children to Elmo and Agnes Greer. Rex spent 65 and a half cherished years with the love of his life, Peggy Hamm Greer. Together they shared three children: Lisa Greer Bustle (William Bustle), Dr. Janie Greer (Jeff Haynes), and Greg Greer (Katie McDaniel). His six grandchildren—Jacob Wesley Greer (Ton Greer), Garth William Leonard Bustle (Kelsey Osborne), Hannah Rae Greer, Liza Belle Bastin (James Bastin), Alexander Greer Lewis (Inga Fonov), and Emilia Leigh James (Emerson James)—brought him immense joy. In the last year of his life, Rex was delighted to welcome his great-grandson, Cedar James Bastin.

Rex grew up with a strong sense of responsibility and a commitment to hard work, values instilled in him by his loving parents. After graduating from high school, he embarked on a distinguished career that spanned multiple industries. From those early days, his journey led him to the vast expanse of highways, where he built roads that carried the dreams of countless travelers and reshaped the world around us. Under his leadership, Elmo Greer and Sons, LLC constructed highways that stretched from Pennsylvania to Arkansas, and as far south as Florida. He contributed his expertise to the Board of the Kentucky Association of Highway Contractors for almost a decade, culminating in his role as Chairman from 1987 to 1988. In 2002, Rex received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the UK College of Engineering and Construction Management Founders Society in recognition of his exceptional contributions.

His work in the highway business was not just a profession but a calling—a testament to his commitment to creating connections, bridging distances, and making the world just a little smaller.

Rex distinguished himself as a leader in both the banking and insurance industries. He dedicated over 25 years to the Board of Directors at Cumberland Valley Insurance Management and served as President and Chairman of the First National Bank of Manchester until his passing. A pillar of his community, Rex was a long-standing member and Deacon at New Salem Baptist Church, a committed Mason, a proud Shriner, and an honored Kentucky Admiral. His life was a tapestry of service, leadership, and unwavering faith.

Beyond his illustrious career, Rex found joy in life’s simple pleasures: the tranquility of bass fishing, the adventure of travel, the savor of homegrown tomatoes, and the spirit of Kentucky basketball. These passions brought balance and delight to his days, painting his life with moments of peace, discovery, and heartfelt cheer.

Rex’s legacy of integrity, love, and dedication will forever be remembered and cherished by all who knew him. May he rest in peace, knowing that his life made a profound difference in the world and in the hearts of those he loved. In the silence that follows his passing, let us hear the echoes of his life—each moment a testament to a man who lived with purpose, who loved without reserve, and who left the world better than he found it.

Funeral services for Garth Rex Greer will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of House-Rawlings Funeral Home with David Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at A. R. Dyche Memorial Park in London, Kentucky. The family will receive friends on Friday, July 5, 2024 beginning at 6:00 p.m., also at the funeral home.

Serving as pallbearers will be Rex’s beloved family members: Alexander Greer Lewis, Emerson James, Garth William Leonard Bustle, Jacob Wesley Greer, Dr. James Bastin, Dr. Jeff Haynes, and William Bustle.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Rex’s honor to University of Kentucky Healthcare. Contributions can be made online at https://give.uky.edu/ or by mail to:

UK Philanthropy

PO Box 910628

Lexington, KY 40591-0628

Alternatively, donations may be directed to the New Salem Baptist Church Building Fund.

The family has entrusted House-Rawlings Funeral Home with the arrangements.