Lenoir, North Carolina — Remembering Anthony Hager Greene: A Life of Service, Loyalty, and Love

Lenoir, North Carolina — Remembering Anthony Hager Greene: A Life of Service, Loyalty, and Love

Lenoir, North Carolina — It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that the community of Lenoir, North Carolina, mourns the sudden and unexpected passing of Anthony Hager Greene, who died on June 21, 2025, at the age of 48. A beloved husband, a loyal friend, and a proud veteran of the United States Army, Anthony’s departure has left an immeasurable void in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

His passing came as a devastating shock to those closest to him—his loved ones grappling not only with the weight of grief but with the loss of a steady and compassionate presence who had become a cornerstone in so many lives.

A Life of Quiet Strength and Dedication

Born and raised in Lenoir, Anthony was deeply rooted in his hometown community. From a young age, he exemplified the values of hard work, respect, and integrity. These same principles would go on to shape his service in the United States Army, where he served with honor and humility for over a decade. His time in the military forged in him a resilience and quiet leadership that those closest to him admired deeply.

Though he rarely spoke of his own achievements, Anthony was known to always advocate for fellow veterans and their families. He frequently participated in local memorial services, flag placements, and veteran outreach programs throughout Caldwell County. He believed in the strength of brotherhood, service before self, and leaving every place better than he found it.

A Devoted Husband and Loyal Friend

To his wife Monica Greene, Anthony was more than a partner—he was her rock, her greatest supporter, and her closest confidant. Their marriage of 17 years was marked by mutual respect, unbreakable trust, and a bond that weathered life’s many seasons. Theirs was a love that inspired those who witnessed it, grounded in faith and the quiet joy of everyday moments.

To his friends, Anthony was dependable, funny, and generous to a fault. He was the one who’d show up with tools in hand if something needed fixing, who’d drive across counties in the middle of the night if someone needed help. Whether sharing a drink over stories on the porch or offering sage advice in times of trouble, he made everyone feel seen and valued.

“Anthony never asked for recognition,” said one lifelong friend. “But he gave everything—his time, his heart, his loyalty—to the people he loved.”

A Man of Many Passions

Outside of his military and community service, Anthony was a man of simple pleasures and rich passions. He loved to fish in Wilson Creek at sunrise, often saying the water was where he found peace. He was a skilled woodworker, known for handcrafting furniture and keepsakes that now hold even more meaning to those who received them. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle on the Blue Ridge Parkway, tending to his backyard garden, and playing classic blues on his old radio while grilling out on Sunday afternoons.

He was an avid supporter of the Carolina Panthers, a coffee enthusiast who insisted on fresh ground beans every morning, and a man who believed in God, country, and doing the right thing—especially when no one was watching.

A Lasting Legacy

Anthony Hager Greene is survived by his loving wife Monica, his parents Helen and Roger Greene, his younger brother Marcus Greene, and an extended family of cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and in-laws who adored him.

He also leaves behind a close-knit circle of friends, many of whom considered him family. The impact of his life extends far beyond the boundaries of Lenoir—it reaches into the hearts of fellow veterans, neighbors, coworkers, and young men he mentored through local youth programs.

A funeral service honoring Anthony’s life will be held on Thursday, June 27th at 11:00 a.m. at Greer-McElveen Funeral Home Chapel, followed by military honors and burial at Blue Ridge Memorial Park. Visitation will take place the evening before, Wednesday, June 26th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., where the community is invited to share memories and celebrate the life of a man who gave so much, yet asked for so little.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made in Anthony’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project or Caldwell County Veterans Services, causes that meant a great deal to him.

Gone But Never Forgotten

As Lenoir mourns the loss of one of its own, we hold tight to the example Anthony left behind: Live honestly. Love deeply. Serve humbly. And always show up—for your people, your principles, and your community.

Though his physical presence is no longer with us, Anthony Hager Greene’s spirit will live on in the lives he touched, the stories told around kitchen tables and firepits, and the enduring values he stood for.

Rest well, soldier. Your watch is over—but your legacy stands strong.