Richard Douglas Greene, affectionately known as “Dickie,” passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 10, 2026. He was 92 years old. Born on August 22, 1933, in Elm City, North Carolina, Greene’s life was marked by service, family, and a deep faith in Jesus Christ.
Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1957, Greene served in the 6th Infantry behind the Iron Curtain in Berlin, Germany. During his military career, he earned the coveted Expert Infantry Badge and served in the Honor Guard. After returning to the United States in 1959, he settled in Newport News, Virginia, where he began a 35-year career at Newport News Shipbuilding and Drydock Company. Starting as a pipefitter, Greene later transitioned to roles in payroll and plot and print before retiring. Following his retirement, he worked as an independent inspection contractor for SGS.
Greene was a dedicated member of Liberty Baptist Church, where he contributed to various committees, including the Lord’s Supper Committee and groundskeeping, and served as an usher. His commitment to his faith and community was unwavering.
Family was at the center of Greene’s life. He is survived by his daughter and caregiver, Shirley Widlacki, her husband Timothy, and their three children—Jason, Stephen, and Amber Warren—along with a great-granddaughter, Abigail Warren, who brought him immense joy. Greene also leaves behind his daughters Winnie Price and Montress Widlacki, and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and sisters.
His talents extended beyond his professional life. Greene was known for his exceptional skills as a farmer and gardener, an avid hunter, and a barbecue enthusiast. He was also recognized for making the best peanut brittle, earning the nickname “the Brittle Man.” His captivating storytelling often entertained family and friends, drawing from his experiences growing up on a sharecropper’s farm during the Great Depression.
Greene’s passing leaves a profound void for all who knew him. He was a man who lived selflessly, embodying the spirit of service in every aspect of his life. His faith was central to his identity, and he shared it joyfully with everyone he encountered.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for February 20, 2026, at W J Smith & Sons Funeral Home, beginning with visitation at 11:30 a.m. and the service at 1:00 p.m. Interment with military honors will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Peninsula Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations in Greene’s memory can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Richard Douglas Greene will be remembered not only for his service to his country and community but also for his love of family, faith, and storytelling. His legacy will endure in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.
