Jerry Lenly Greene, Sr., age 91, passed away peacefully March 18, 2026, at his home in Columbia. Born and raised in Fort Mill, South Carolina, on May 5, 1934, to Rufus Edgar and Thelma Gamble Greene, he was known affectionately by family and friends as “Freck” – a lifelong nickname acquired because of his copious childhood freckles.

At his passing, Freck was surrounded by the family that he had made the center of his life. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, he found his greatest pride in the life he built alongside his beloved wife, Sylvia Munn Greene, to whom he was married for 69 wonderful years. Their marriage was a true partnership, marked by years of love, laughter, and countless cherished memories – raising their children, making friends, dancing (always dancing!), and traveling the world. Rarely seen apart, their bond was an inspiration to all who knew them. Freck’s love for Sylvia was evident in everything he did, and he treasured every moment they shared together.

Having left Fort Mill for Charlotte for a few years, Freck and Sylvia made the move to Columbia early in their marriage. It was here that Freck adopted his new hometown’s Gamecocks as his own, supporting them through thick and thin over the course of all or parts of seven sometimes challenging decades. A respected member of Columbia’s Executive Club, a proud Shriner affiliated with the Jamil Temple, and a long-time, faithful member of Kathwood Baptist Church, Freck demonstrated his commitment to community, fellowship, and service in all aspects of his life.

After briefly exploring several career paths, Freck settled on insurance as his calling and enjoyed a distinguished 30-year career in sales and management with United Insurance Company of America, where he was known for his strong work ethic, integrity, and leadership. From there, he retired to spend his golden years with family and managing his investment properties.

A devotee of the choreography of beach music, otherwise known as the Carolina shag, Freck attended the first Society of Stranders event in 1980. His involvement with, friendships in, and contributions to the shag community (as well, of course, as his footwork) earned him inductions into the South Carolina Shaggers Hall of Fame in 1998, the Beach Shaggers National Hall of Fame in 1999, and the Living Legends in 1999. His biggest smiles were seen when he was on the dance floor with Sylvia in his arms.

He was predeceased by his parents and by his brothers John V. Green (Jane, surviving) and William G. Greene (Anita, surviving). He is survived by his wife, Sylvia; three children, Jerry Lenly Greene Jr. (Leah), Sabrina Greene FitzSimons (Charlie), and Neil Greene; six grandchildren, Charley F. MacInnis (Baylis), Caroline F. Bond (Sam), Christopher William Greene FitzSimons, Evan C. Greene (Megan), and Elliott L. Greene; and four great grandchildren. Additionally, he leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and their extended families.

The memorial service to honor Mr. Greene’s life will be held at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Shives Funeral Home, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext. Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.

The family suggests that any memorial contributions may be made to the Beach Shaggers National Hall of Fame Foundation, Post Office Box 4070 North Myrtle Beach, SC.29597