Alan Douglas Greene

Alan D. Greene, 91, died peacefully of natural causes at Delray Medical Center on September 27, 2023. He was born January 6, 1932, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the third son of Arthur Ronald Greene and Martha Louise Geiger Greene.

When Alan was 15, he joined the Tennessee State Guard (he was too young so he fibbed about his age to join his two older brothers). Alan was graduated from Father Ryan High School, Class of 1950. Shortly after graduation, Alan joined the United States Army. After an honorable discharge, he attended Catholic University to obtain a degree in Philosophy. Following his graduation and marriage to his beloved Carolyn May DeBaecke, he attended Georgetown Law School. Alan's law career included practice in: District of Columbia; 1966, Florida; 1968, U.S. Court of Appeals, Fifth Circuit; 1977, Tennessee; 1981, U.S. Court of Appeals, Eleventh Circuit; 1982, U.S. Supreme Court; 1985, U.S. Court of Appeals, Federal Circuit; 1959, U.S. Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit.

Alan recognized early on that success was not defined by money or career. He knew that real success came from love of family and service to his fellow man. Stories were scattered about his entire life in which he literally gave the shirt off of his own back to those in need. Each of his kids and their friends knew they could call Alan anytime, night or day-and they did-and he was known to change a flat tire, bring a can of gasoline, and retrieve any of the kids from trouble.

There was no love for him greater than that which he shared for over 67 years with his best friend, his traveling mate, his crossword-puzzle partner, his biggest cheerleader in life, the mother of his greatest treasures. Alan and Lynn managed to raise five children, have successful careers, and travel the globe together: from the U.S., through Europe, Africa, and on to Asia.

To his children, he was their hero, their biggest fan! Alan attended almost every game, recital, play, and performance.

Alan was loyal, brave, smart, and funny. These traits were carried over into his legal career. He practiced law in the same manner in which he lived....with great integrity. He was deeply respected by both his colleagues and his adversaries.

His greatest pleasure came from his family, his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his great grandchildren, and the many animals along the way.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his older brothers, Arthur Ronald Greene, Jr. and Charles Clarence Greene. He is survived by his wife Carolyn May DeBaecke Greene of Boca Raton, Florida; his children Elizabeth Greene Freeman of Orlando, Florida; Michael DeBaecke Greene (Maro) of Asheville, North Carolina; Rosemary Greene Mulford (Dr. Thomas) of Asheville, North Carolina; Felicia Greene Bell (Ed) of Boca Raton, Florida; Amy Greene Shaouy (Rob) of Boca Raton, Florida; eight grandchildren, Mary Caroline Freeman, Katherine Rose Freeman, Jaime Greene, Alex Greene, Douglas Mulford, Jacob Mulford, Sydney Shaouy, Robert Shaouy; three great-grandchildren, Elora Castellanos, Noemi Greene; Skye Elizabeth MacDonald, his sister, Marcia Lynn Greene Petrin of Nashville, Tennessee; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Life is to be had at a later date. For now, may we all raise a glass and toast the great man, Alan Douglas Greene!