Selma, Dallas County remembers Edgar W. Greene Jr.

Published 5:37 am Saturday, January 20, 2024

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Edgar W. Greene Jr.  is remembered by Selma and Dallas County citizens as one of the best-ever District Attorneys in Dallas County.

Greene, a Minter resident, passed away on Jan. 9. Funeral services will be Saturday, with visitation at 12:30 p.m.and a service at 1:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

Area residents remember Greene as a hard-nosed prosecutor with a sense of humor. Greene was called “Ed” by family and friends.

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Greene is survived by his wife of nearly 60 years, Sandra Greene; their children, Meg Sims (Jimmy) and Kari Alexander (Matt) and grandchildren, Jeb Sims, Katherine Alexander, Annabelle Sims and Mary Patton.

“We met in 1961 as students at the University of Alabama,” Sandra Greene said. “We’ve been Alabama football fans since. I can’t believe he’s not here.”

Former Selma City Councilwoman Susan Youngblood worked with Greene 17 years, remembering his devotion to family and friends.

“Ed was a hard worker who expected his staff to be equally committed to excellence in service to the people of the 4th Judicial Circuit,” Youngblood said. “He enjoyed life as much as he toiled. He expected that of people as well. Preferably with him and his family and friends.” 

Greene spent most of his career in Dallas County serving as attorney, assistant district attorney, district attorney and city prosecutor. As Fourth Judicial District Attorney, Greene represented the counties of Dallas, Wilcox, Hale, Perry and Bibb.

Former Dallas County District Attorney Michael Jackson credits Greene with his successful two terms as District Attorney.

“Ed Greene was a great prosecutor who prosecuted cases for over 50 years as an assistant District Attorney, Chief Deputy District Attorney, District Attorney and later a City Prosecutor,” Jackson said. “Ed Greene was also a great friend. I went to his birthday party at his house when he turned 80, He will be missed.”

Dallas County Probate Judge Jimmy Nunn said he gained valuable knowledge working under Greene in the late 1990’s.

“Edgar Greene was a well-known and well-respected District Attorney across the state of Alabama,” Nunn said. “Not only was he a friend, but he hired me as an assistant district attorney in 1998. I had the pleasure of prosecuting many cases with him in the courtroom.

“As a young attorney, I was like a sponge trying to learn as much as I could about the law. He was a great teacher and will be truly missed. My condolences go out to Greene’s wife Sandy and their family.”