The Elizabethton City Council has officially approved a resolution to rename the Elizabethton Municipal Airport to the **William B. Greene Jr. Regional Airport**, recognizing Greene’s significant contributions to the community and the aviation sector. The decision was made during a regular council meeting on **March 15, 2024**, where Greene, a prominent local figure, attended to witness the momentous occasion.
City Attorney **Roger Day** presented the resolution, outlining Greene’s pivotal role in establishing the airport in **1967**. It highlighted his efforts in securing funding, overseeing construction, and certifying the facility, which is now classified as a regional service airport serving both **East Tennessee** and **Western North Carolina**. Greene’s leadership as chairman of the Elizabethton Airport Authority since its inception is unparalleled; he has held this position for an impressive **58 consecutive years**.
Greene, who approached the council with the aid of a cane, expressed gratitude as attendees cheered his achievements. “The Elizabethton airport was a struggle,” Greene remarked after the unanimous approval. “There’s no one in this room knows how big that struggle really was.” He humorously recalled losing **126 accounts** at the bank he purchased in **1964** when applying for state approvals related to the airport.
Throughout his tenure, Greene has been instrumental in enhancing the airport’s profile, including the introduction of **The Moody Bible Institute’s** aviation program. This initiative contributed significantly to the airport’s growth and success over four decades, positioning it as a crucial hub for air travel in the region. Greene noted that **80 percent** of aircraft travelers entering **Western North Carolina** utilize the Elizabethton airport.
The facility is not only home to various corporate flight departments but also serves as the base for **Highlands Emergency Air Rescue and Transport**, underscoring its importance to both local and regional aviation needs. In a heartfelt moment, Mayor **William E. “Bill” Carter** presented Greene with a framed copy of the resolution, calling him a “very noble citizen.” Carter emphasized that the renaming serves as a “small token of our appreciation for what you’ve done for us and for the citizens of Elizabethton.”
Greene reciprocated the sentiment, expressing his admiration for the community. He stated, “When you have the culture that we have, when you have the caliber of people we have in **Carter County**, Elizabethton, there is no place on earth better to live than where you live right here in **East Tennessee**.” His words resonated with council members and attendees alike, reflecting the strong sense of community and pride in local achievements.
The renaming of the airport underscores not only Greene’s contributions but also the collective efforts of the community in fostering regional development. As the **William B. Greene Jr. Regional Airport** continues to grow, it will undoubtedly serve as a lasting legacy of Greene’s vision and determination in the field of aviation.
