Wilbert H. Greer

July 7, 1922 - August 2, 2016

Tuesday, August 2, life-long Corning resident, Wilbert H. “Web” Greer died at home surrounded by his family. He was 94 years old. Born (7/7/22) and raised in Corning, Web was the son of James R. and Mary Kitts Greer and was the 5th of 6 children: James, Margaret (Hannon), Mildred (Hamlin), Theodore (Ted), [Web], and Joseph. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Betty Sheppard Greer, daughters Patricia (Doug) Garakian of Fishers, IN, Linda (Lou) Greer-Wegener, of Chico, CA; Sandra (Scott) Embrey, of Mt. Shasta, CA; Janice (Tim) Franer of Corning, CA; and nephew Steven Greer of Sisters, OR; brother Ted Greer of Santa Rosa; nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Web attended Corning schools, and, following his graduation in 1940, worked in So. California until the U.S. entered WWII when he enlisted in the Navy. Web served in both the European and Pacific Theatres. His war-time experiences, including his shipwreck off the island of Ponza, Italy and his role in a rescue of prisoners of war, had a lasting impact on Web and were a source of stories later heard by his children. Over the years, Web maintained contact with several shipmates who served with him during that time. In 1948, Web married Betty Sheppard and had lived almost continuously in the Olive City, where he worked for Pacific Bell and raised his family. He knew the roads of Tehama County like the back of his hand, having driven them countless times in his 38 year career with Pac Bell. Web didn’t get tired of being on the road; the family took annual vacations along the California Coastline. Throughout his retirement, Web and Betty traveled extensively, criss crossing the United States and Canada. Frequently, he enjoyed crabbing and fishing along the Pacific Coast. Web also enjoyed visiting daughters and their families when they resided outside the USA and exploring Southern Europe. Numerous cruises rounded out their travel adventures. His well-worn passport is filled with stamps from Nicaragua, Peru, Paraguay, the Dominican Republic, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Tunisia and more—each a memory and fodder for good stories Web enjoyed telling. On Saturday, August 6, forty members of Web’s extended family gathered at his home to celebrate his life. Military Honors for his Navy Service in WWII were conducted by a Petty Officer and two National Guardsmen Non-Commissioned Officers. One of Web's grandchildren, a Sergeant in the US Army, presented the flag to his widow.