David Greer, Sr.

Life Reflections

David Arthur Greer Sr. was born in Michigan City on February 11, 1936 to Alberta and David Greer.  David (Dave) transitioned from this life on Monday, July 17, 2023 after championing over a lengthy illness for a number of years.  He was 87 years old when God called him home.

Dave grew up in the Patch, a north end neighborhood in Michigan City, In.  He graduated from Michigan City Elston High School in 1955 where he was a dedicated Red Devil.  During his time in high school, he excelled in basketball which led him to receive a scholarship to Wilberforce University in Ohio. He later attended Butler University in Indiana. 

Returning to Michigan City after college, Dave began his career in the local workforce.  First with Gerwin Industries and next at JoSam Manufacturing.  While at JoSam he lobbied for the hiring and promotion of many men within the community seeking a better quality of life. JoSam relocated, and he gained employment with Weil McClain where he quickly earned the position as the first Black foreman in the company. He continued his efforts to further the advancement of the Black community within the company for over 25 years, until his retirement in 2005.  During this time he was also affiliated with the Black Panther Party and Black Stone Rangers organizations and fought for equal housing rights and better opportunities for the Black community.

Legacy

During his time as a Red Devil, Dave accomplished many firsts. He was the first player in Michigan City to shoot a jump shot in a varsity basketball game. At that time players shot flat-footed. Some of his teammates even coined him the nickname Kangaroo because of his awesome jumping ability.  Due to his winning personality on and off the court, Dave was a popular and lovable individual with both black and white classmates and Red Devil fans. It was during his senior year at Elston that he was assigned the task of defending and trying to shut down a player who would become one of the greatest basketball players of all time, future Hall of Famer, the Great Oscar Robinson.  According to Dave he didn’t do too bad either, holding Robertson to 20 points. Crispus Attucks and “The Big O” returned the following year after he had graduated and went for 40. Dave’s undying love of sports led him to remain active in the community through coaching and mentoring for the Michigan City Area Schools and the Park & Recreation Department. His legacy lives on through the lives that he touched.

Till Death Do Us Part

At a young age Dave began his courtship of the love of his life, Vivian Frierson, that ultimately led them to marriage.He often recounted seeing Vivian for the first time after she moved to Michigan City from Missouri with her oldest sister Liz. He loved her from the moment he set eyes on her. After years of showing interest in Vivian and courting her with sweet gestures such as taking her ice cream and dedicating love songs to her, Vivian finally agreed to go out with him. Hence starting their beautiful love affair. Dave and Vivian loved to travel with family, celebrating holidays, birthdays, and sporting events like the Kentucky Derby. Both were always supportive of the other's interests, hobbies, and activities. They were one of Michigan City’s favorite couples that stood the test of time.

Family

Dave leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife of 60 years, Vivian Greer, his children, Michael (Robyn) Greer, Minneapolis, MN; Phaedra Greer, Michigan City, IN; David (Carmen) Greer II, Atlanta, GA; Lynn Turner. South Bend, IN; Arthur Turner, Ownings, MD; Jeanetta (Edwin) Leshore, Riverdale, GA; Brian Walker and Jeff (Lisa) Howell, Michigan City, IN, Nicholas Greer (Grandson raised in Greer household), along with 30 grandchildren and a host of great grands, nieces and nephews. Godson, Brad Rose, Goddaughters, Evette Eure and Tomiko Frierson; special sisters Laverne Armstrong and Dell White; and his basketball buddy James Mason.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Cynthia Greer, and God brothers Frank Roan and 

Celebration of Life...

There will be a Celebration of Life on Friday, July 28, 2023 at 12 noon at New Hope Baptist Church 730 W. 6th St. Michigan City, Indiana 46360. Viewing will be 11am until time of service. Pastor Gregory Harrison to do Eulogy.

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