Richard "Dickie" Douglas Greene passed peacefully in his sleep into the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. He was born in Elm City, North Carolina on August 22, 1933 to the late William T. Greene and Della Greene. He was drafted into the Army in 1957, serving in the 6th Infantry behind the Iron Curtain in Berlin, Germany, earning the coveted Expert Infantry Badge as a private, as well as serving in the Honor Guard. Sergeant Greene met and married the love of his life, Karin, and returned to the United States in 1959 with his young family, settling in Newport News to begin a 35 year career at Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company, working as a pipefitter and later as a timekeeper, running payroll, and later in plot and print. After retirement he worked as an independent inspection contractor for SGS.
He was a longtime member of Liberty Baptist Church where he faithfully served on the Lord's Supper Committee, the groundskeeping committee, and as an usher.
Dickie was a loving and devoted husband and best Daddy ever, doting and proud "Gampa" and great-grandfather, a friend and helper to everyone, and a deeply patriotic American who carried his military charge throughout his entire life. He was an expert farmer and gardener, avid hunter and sportsman, barbecue king, and a fixer of anything that was broken. He made the absolute best peanut brittle and was known everywhere as "the Brittle Man". He was a gifted and captivating storyteller, always ready to share one of his many colorful stories of growing up on a sharecropper's farm during the Great Depression and his life journey after. His animated way of telling about his experiences and adventures have entertained, educated, and inspired his family, friends, and countless others drawn to his warmth, sincerity, wisdom, and good humor. A true prayer warrior who loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart, Dickie joyfully shared his faith with everyone he met until he was taken to his Heavenly Home. He lived a truly selfless life in service to others, and he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Karin Greene, and a sister, Martha Collins. Left to cherish his memory are his daughter and caregiver, Shirley Widlacki (Timothy) and their 3 children Jason Widlacki, Stephen Widlacki, Amber Warren (Jeremy) and 2 year old great-granddaughter, Abigail Warren, who has been the delight of her "Papa's" heart. He is also survived by daughter Winnie Price (William) and their sons Billy Price and Richie Price; daughter Montress Widlacki (Donald Jr) and their daughters Jessica Swink and Marlene Swink; several great-grandchildren; and sisters Beth Boykin, Nancy Pridgen, Montress Greene, and Cindy Harris. He also leaves behind countless beloved friends who were like family, many considering him a second father or adopted Grandpa.
A Celebration of Life will be held at W J Smith & Sons Funeral Home on Friday, February 20, 2026 at 1:00 pm with visitation beginning at 11:30 am.
Interment with military tribute will take place at 3:00 pm at Peninsula Memorial Park. Donations to  honor Richard's life can be made to Wounded Warrior Project or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.