Asa Herbert Greenwell Jr.

Mr. Asa Herbert Greenwell, Jr., age 93

Of: McEwen, TN passed away Sunday, August 20, 2023, at TriStar Horizon Medical Center in Dickson, TN. He was born June 15, 1930, in McEwen, TN to Asa Herbert Greenwell, Sr. and Mary Valeria Ragan Greenwell.

After graduating from Waverly Central High School in 1948, Herbert farmed with his dad and younger brother until he enlisted in the US Air Force in January 1955, where he served as a jet engine mechanic instructor.  The G.I. Bill then paid for him to attend Austin Peay State University where he graduated with a B.S. in History and Math with certification to teach.  He taught 7^th grade math for 5 years in Clarksville, TN.  After his dad’s farm injury, he came back home to McEwen to help out.  He became a substitute rural letter carrier and then got a full-time route where he worked until retirement in 1992.

Herbert’s family describes him as both frugal and generous, responsible, and kind, introverted yet he loved to swap stories and visit, modest and practical, logical, determined and persistent, humble and grateful. 

Herbert was a life-long reader and learner.  With daily Bible reading, he read God’s word cover to cover annually for countless years.  He enjoyed reading both non-fiction and fiction.  He researched and compiled family genealogy and enjoyed photography.  He kept a daily journal from 1985 through 2023.  He exercised his body and mind daily including crossword puzzles until the very end.

Herbert showed love by serving others.  He loved his wife and family dearly.  He cared for his elderly family members including parents and aunt and uncle.  He helped take care of kids starting with his first nephew through baby-sitting his own grandkids.  He always encouraged and supported his kids and grandkids in school and sports.  He didn’t want anyone to go hungry.  He worked to grow food for his family plus enough to share with friends and neighbors.  After moving to town, he grew 48 crop years of garden.  He diligently saved and shared seeds from year to year.  He tried his hand at growing and grafting apple trees, pear trees, and peach trees.  The apple trees did the best and he gave away countless apple trees over the years.

Herbert always took his family to church where he served as a Southern Baptist Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and Discipleship Training Superintendent for many years.  He and Shirley joined Hurricane Chapel Free Will Baptist Church in recent years.  In the hospital last week, he quoted Psalm 23 to his daughter.  He enjoyed singing gospel hymns in the church congregation and at home.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 – 8:00pm Friday, August 25^th and from 9:00am until service time Saturday, August 26^th at Humphreys County Funeral Home.

Funeral Services for Mr. Greenwell will be conducted at 11:00am Saturday, August 26, 2023, in the Humphreys County Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Tim Farris officiating.

Interment will follow in McEwen Cemetery.

Survivors:

Wife of 54 years:

   Shirley Powers Greenwell of McEwen, TN

Daughters:

   Marsha Cooprider (David) of Pegram, TN

   Tracy White (David) of McEwen, TN

Grandchildren:

   Victoria Phelps (Matt), Valerie Schrock

   Juliana White, Savannah White, Asa White

Brother-in-law:

   John S. Powers (Lula) of Scotts Hill, TN

Sister-in-law:

   Veronika Greenwell of Waverly, TN

Several Nieces, Nephews & Cousins

Preceded in death by:

Parents: Asa Herbert Greenwell, Sr. and Mary Valeria Ragan Greenwell

Brother: Max Greenwell

Sister: Arlene Hurt

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider a donation to one of the following in memory of Herbert Greenwell:

Samaritan’s Purse: P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607

The Gideons: P.O. Box 135, Waverly, TN 37185

Hurricane Chapel Freewill Baptist Church: 500 North Hurricane Creek Road, McEwen, TN 37101

Arrangements by Humphreys County Funeral Home, (931) 296-5955