of Mabelvale, AR
May 6, 1939 - May 22, 2020
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[%] of the class.
He was accepted into the apprenticeship program in Local 155 Plumbers and Pipe fitters 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 pipe fitters. 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 2:00 PM 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 1:00 PM 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, AR 72206 and North Little Rock First United Methodist Church, 6701 JFK Blvd., North Little Rock, AR 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.
Sign Guestbook
18 Condolence(s)
Keith Kingston
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
God Speed Chuck, The 05 will be racing in heaven.
Sheila Hurt
Thursday, June 4, 2020
I want to express my sympathy to Jo and Karen and family we go back along way when we were young I was sorry to read the obituary but he lived along productive life....RIP CHUCK. With luv Sheila
Rochelle Lowe Greenwood
Tuesday, June 2, 2020
Karen, was so sorry to read of the loss of your Dad. He sounded like someone I would liked to have known. My prayers are with you and your family.
Rochelle
Vernon and JoAnn Red
Sunday, May 31, 2020
Jo and Karen
God always puts special people in our lives and Chuck was one of them as well as you and Karen. We will always have a special place in our heart for each of you. It's been a long time but memories never fade. In Christ Vernon and JoAnna
Gayla Ison Hooten
Thursday, May 28, 2020
Jo and Karen - My heart is holding you close. May the many cherished memories you have of such a remarkable man bring you comfort. Chuck always had a smile on his face and his accomplishments were numerous. He was a true inspiration.
May God's grace grant you peace.
Gayla Ison Hooten
Terry Kirkpatrick
Thursday, May 28, 2020
Chuck was a Great Man. He was always a good friend to me at the race track. He always took time to come by our car and visit and drop a few hints about how we could get faster. He will be missed by all that knew him. Prayers for the Family. Race on My Friend!
Sondra Strong
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
The Cloverdale Family will miss Mr. Greenlee and all he did for our school. He gave selflessly to our Lion Cub family whether it was changing our school sign, volunteering for events or spending hours making sure student had sharpened pencils for testing. Prayers to Mrs. Jo and Karen. May God send His precious Holy Spirit to be a comfort to you during this time. God Bless you and his family.
Ruth Hooper
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Karen and Jo,
I am so sorry that Chuck is gone. He was a sweetheart and was loved by so many. You two were the lights of his life. May prayers of peace comfort you.
Shirley Reeves
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Sorry for your loss , I will miss seeing Chuck at 1-30
He was always outgoing and very kind.
Family will be in my prayers.ðŸ™
Ricky fischer
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Thank you Chuck for all your knowledge you shared with me through the years. I’ll miss hearing your stories and seeing you at the track.
Norman Clifton
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
sorry to read about Chuck. i remember him so well and with great memories from I- 30. he and Kenny were close and he was so about racing R I P my friend
Cherry Johnson
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. He had a great family had the opportunity to know and work with wife at Mabelvale. We Know, GRIEF OVERTURNED,â€I have seen the Lord!
lamar pickens
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
So sorry to hear of your passing Chuck we had some great times racing! I will see you when I get there REST IN LOVE BIG MAN <3
bill rawlings
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Chuck gave Buck Reid his chance to race chucks car.Thanks Chuck .A great driver was created because you gave someone a chance.Thats the kind of man you were.
Marti Wilson
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Prayers for the family. Mr Greenlee was a great friend of my dad’s Gordon “Bud†Simpson. They had some great times together.
LUEANN ELLINGTON
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Mr. Greenlee we will miss you at Cloverdale Middle School. You were alway willing to donate your time to help with any activities. Your smile and love will be missed greatly.
Donna Clark
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Jo, so sorry to hear about Chuck. I still remember him sitting out at the school sign putting up the new sign whether the weather. was cold or hot. I know you will miss him but know my thoughts and prayers are with you during this time
JC & Ruth Miller
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
To a Great Man and a Great Mason,
Your Wisdom and Love will be greatly missed. We know you will be watching over us all from heaven.
Prayers and Love to all those feeling Chuck's passing,
JC & Ruth