Bennie Crawford Greene

Bennie Crawford Greene, 74, of Morganton, NC, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on February 16, 2022 surrounded by his loving family.

Born to the late Verne and Nelle Crawford Greene on November 3, 1947, in Boone, North Carolina, Bennie had lived in Burke County most of his life.

Along with his parents, Bennie was preceded in death by his devoted wife of over 35 years, Linda Gantt Greene and brothers Richard and Sam Greene.

One of Bennie’s proudest accomplishments in his life was serving his country in the United States Air Force for 8 ½ years, where he obtained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was stationed in Minot, North Dakota, Anchorage, Alaska and the United States Pentagon in Washington, DC.  He proudly wore his Veterans’ cap with pride and was quick to tell anyone about his time in the service. When thanked for his service, his response was always, “My honor, I’d do it again if they would let me.”

After returning to Burke County in 1977, Bennie was a successful financial professional for 40 plus years. Bennies work included being a self-employed insurance agent with MONY, AXA, and Equitable as well as an agent under Rob Brockland Insurance Agency. Before Linda’s death and continuing afterwards, Bennie and Linda owned and operated the Morganton License Plate Agency.

In his personal life, Bennie’s goal was to tell anyone he met about his Lord and what Jesus had done for him.  Bennie was a friend to many, he loved spending time with his family, never met a stranger and always had a joke to tell.  His favorite greetings to anyone and everyone was: “Well, I’m vertical” or “If I was any better, I couldn’t stand it.”  Bennie loved gospel music especially a men’s quartet with a good bass singer.  His favorite past times included doing landscape work, riding his Kubota tractor, and watching his grandson’s wrestle.

Throughout his life, Bennie was a member and served at Mt. Home Baptist Church and Hopewell Baptist Church.  Currently he and Jo worshipped and served together at Burkemont Baptist Church.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife Ava Jo Mills Greene, daughters Lori Patton (Pat) and Wendy Hardin (Randy) both of Morganton; Bonus-son Bobby Wills (Angela) of Evans, GA.; and Bonus-daughter Amy West (Daniel) of Roanoke Rapids, N.C.  Also surviving are his grandchildren:  Cody, Zeb, and Dilan Patton (Bubba); Marlee, Grayson, and Sam Cooper; Bonus grandchildren Kelsee, Jacob, Trey, Christian, Elijah, Adriana and Little Bobby (LB) as well as one Bonus-great-granddaughter Stella.  Bennie is also survived by his sister Katherine Hinson of Charlotte, a brother, Dennis (Edna) Greene of Shelby and a sister-in-law, Myrtis Greene of Troutman.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m., Sunday, February 20, 2022 at Sossoman Funeral Home in Morganton, NC.  The funeral will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, February 21 at Burkemont Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Eddy Bunton, Evangelist Dave Kistler, Evangelist Jamie Parsons, and Mr. Daniel West officiating.  Burial will follow in Mt. Home Baptist Church Cemetery with military honors provided by the US Air Force and the Caldwell County Veterans Honor Guard.

A special thank you to Amorem Hospice Care, The Robbins Hospice Center and Melanie’s Hometown Pharmacy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org), P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.