James "Gary" Greenwood

James Gary Greenwood

August 24, 1946 – June 14, 2024

James “Gary” Greenwood, age 77 of Newport, passed away of a lengthy illness at home on Friday, June 14, 2024.

Born August 24, 1946 in La Follette, Tennessee. Gary was one of six children of the late Thomas and Mary (Trowbridge) Greenwood. He graduated from Jacksboro High School in Tennessee in 1965. Gary proudly served in the United States Army, stationed in Germany from 1966 to 1968. He was a cook in the Army and took great pride in that.

Gary first worked at the McLouth Steel Plant in Trenton, learning his trait as a Machinist. He worked 31 years before the plant closed. Afterwards, he then worked at Spring Engineering Company for five years before transitioning over to Renew CVG in Carleton for another five years before retiring in 2009. Gary also worked from home as an automotive mechanic in his free time.

Gary found a second love again with Diane Ellison-Bailey. They got married on April 29, 2000 at a Lutheran Church in Frenchtown Township. They became a blended family and spent over 24 wonderful years together. Both Gary and Diane enjoyed going up north to their cabin in Curtisville, MI to get away. They were also snowbirds and traveled down to their Florida home during the winter.

Gary was a long-time member of Union Street Missionary Baptist Church of Monroe. He was very active within the church. He volunteered his time by cooking breakfasts and helping in any way. Gary was also a member of the Jacksboro Masonic Lodge #322 for 55 years. In his free time, he liked to go hunting and fishing, but his passion was classic cars. Within his many years of collecting, he accumulated several vehicles.

Most importantly, Gary loved spending his quality time with his friends and family. Growing up, he had a special bond with his uncle Kenneth Trowbridge. Gary will be remembered for his straightforwardness and said whatever was on his mind. He will be greatly missed and cherished in the hearts of his loved ones.

Beloved husband of Diane Ellison Bailey Greenwood. Loving father of Mary (Todd) Daniel, James (Stacy) Greenwood, Timothy Sachs, Eric Sachs, and Bridget Bailey-Rojem. Dearest grandfather of 18 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. Dear brother of Linda (Elmo) Goins, Nancy (John) McPherson, Julie (David) Kelley, and Jennifer (John) Rosser. Also survived by son-in-law: Kevin Cupp; and brother-in-law: Don Lawson.

In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by daughter: Tammy Cupp; son: Douglas Bailey; sister: Peggy Lawson; and former spouse: JoAnn Greenwood.

Friends and family are invited to a visitation on Monday, June 17, 2024, at Rupp Funeral Home from 1 to 8 pm. A funeral service will be on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, at Rupp Funeral Home starting at 1 pm, delivered by Pastor Joe Bryant of Union Street Missionary Baptist Church. Burial will immediately follow to Rath Cemetery of Monroe, where an Honor Guard Service will be held in his honor.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Gary are suggested to Union Street Missionary Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be sent to www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com