JAMES CHARLES “CHUCK” GREENLEE,
81, of Mabelvale, Arkansas, won his last race on May 22, 2020 at the VA Hospital in Little Rock.
He was born on May 6, 1939 to the late John Greenlee of Daggett, California and Ruby Boyd Greenlee Temple of Ward, Arkansas. After his cancer diagnosis, he defied the odds of survival and was courageous until the end of his life. He loved his family, celebrating birthdays, his faith, his I-30 family, especially Karen and Bart Goodson, and being “Poppa Chuck” to Kenzie, Braedyn, and GraceLynn.
He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Willie Estelle and Forrest Boyd of Jacksonville, a daughter, Cherie Lynn Greenlee, a son, James Charles Greenlee, Jr. and a sister, Susi Greenlee Holmes of Texas. He is survived by his wife and love of his life for 61 years, Lillie Jo Greenlee, his daughter, Karen Estelle Greenlee of North Little Rock, two sisters, Elizabeth Temple James and Janie Greenlee.
He was baptized and joined the Methodist Church in Jacksonville as a young boy and was an active member of North Little Rock First United Methodist Church.
His masonic affiliations include: a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, Adoniram Masonic Lodge #288, Adoniram Chapter #604 (Past Patron) and Esther Chapter #217 Order of the Eastern Star. He served as Grand Chapter Dad in 2017 for Sister Marilyn Whorton, Worthy Grand Matron and Brother Chuck Goodrich, Worthy Grand Patron. He served as Rainbow Dad for Adoniram #99 Rainbow Assembly and State Rainbow Dad in 2008 for Jennifer Duncan, Grand Worthy Advisor, International Order of Rainbow for Girls.
He graduated from Barstow Union High School in 1957 where he served in the California Cadet Corp, receiving the rank of sergeant major. Returning to Little Rock, he joined the Army in the 489th Engineering Battalion. He was activated to Fort Benning, Georgia in 1961 and attended NCO School in Fort Sill, Oklahoma where he scored in the top 10 percent of the class.
He was accepted into the apprenticeship program in Local 155 Plumbers and Pipefitters on his 19th birthday. He was employed for over 50 years with Pfeifer Plumbing, John B. May, Fagan, and Little Rock Mechanical. While employed at Little Rock Mechanical for 27 years, he received the Craftsman of the Year Award for three consecutive years. He received instructor certification through Purdue University and taught with the apprenticeship program of plumbers and pipefitters. He also taught welding at Pulaski Technical College to employees of 3M. He retired from Pine Bluff Arsenal at the age of 62.
During retirement he began his career of service to his community. He received the Volunteer of the Year Award for the Little Rock School District. He was faithful in volunteering wherever he was needed and truly gave with a servant heart with his time, talents, and gifts which he never acknowledged or sought recognition for his service! He just did it!
He played and coached open league fast pitch softball for Ray Russell Engineers, Rose City Beacon Methodist Church and slow pitch softball for Mabelvale United Methodist Church for many years.
His love of dirt track racing became his passion at I-30 Speedway at a young age. Winning many races, he owned and raced Hobby Cars and IMCA Cars at tracks in Arkansas. After he retired from driving, he had many outstanding drivers that drove his car-the orange 05-Just Good Ole Boys Racing! He became “Chuck, the Tear off Man” selling tear offs to drivers. He loved helping young drivers by sharing his knowledge of racing and motor building. “When you’re in the front, the view is clear-no tear offs needed. Rest easy, Good Ole Boy!”
A celebration of a life lived full throttle will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2020 at Roller-Drummond Funeral Home, 10900 I-30 in Little Rock with burial to follow at Pinecrest Cemetery on Hwy 5. Visitation will be held prior to the service beginning at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. The family would like to thank the prayer team of North Little Rock First United Methodist Church for their prayers, to our friends and family that have prayed for him and his care team for their compassionate care at VA Fort Roots and VA McClellan.
Memorials may be made to Adoniram #99 Rainbow Assembly c/o Judy Langston, 13517 Eagle Hawk Drive Little Rock, Ark. 72206 and North Little Rock First United Methodist Church, 6701 JFK Blvd., North Little Rock, Ark. 72116.
Arkansas Department of Health guidelines will be followed limiting funerals and visitations to 50 people at one time. Attendees must wear a mask before entering. Online condolences for the family may be left at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ Drummond.