Community To Bid 'Doc' Greer Farewell On Friday

    The Umatilla and broader North Lake County community will gather this Friday, March 22, to say farewell to Richard Greer, founder of the Umatilla Drug Store and well-known supporter of the area and its people. Greer, who had been fighting cancer, passed away on Wednesday, March 13, will be celebrated during services to be held at the First Baptist Church of Umatilla beginning at 2 p.m.
   Greer, a stalwart in the community since the founding of Umatilla Drug Store in 2006, was known for his gentle nature and ongoing support of community activities and people in need. He was a Umatilla Citizen of the Year award recipient in 2009, and was active in the First Baptist Church of Umatilla, the Umatilla Kiwanis Club, and the Umatilla Lions Club.
   “Richard had a real, meaningful impact on so many lives as a sturdy pillar of our small-town community,” said Umatilla Mayor Chris Creech this week. “He was a beacon of light for his Christian faith and will be deeply missed here on earth. ‘Doc’s unwavering, caring heart and soul should be used as a bright and shiny example of a life well lived.”
   Greer had published a book, "Crossing Paths, Finding Hope," which was a collection of stories based on his experiences as a small-town pharmacist. He was working on a second book when he became ill.
   Greer’s career in pharmaceutical service was remembered this week by George Warren, Jr. owner of Bay and Lake Pharmacy in Eustis.
   “I first knew Richard as a member of First Baptist Church of Eustis, now, LifePointe Church. Richard was actively involved in just about everything at the church. Professionally at the time, he was the Pharmacy Director for Florida Home Infusion in Altamonte. These were the early days of providing home infusion medications. He was charting the way for home infusion therapies usually only given during a hospital stay. I admired him for that.
   “He stepped down from that position for some time to focus on his health and family. We were fortunate to have Richard join our team at Lake Pharmacy. I cannot tell you how excited I was.
   “For years, Pharmacist Bob Bridges operated Umatilla Pharmacy across from Golden Gem before closing. I remember Eckerd Drug and Rite-Aid also being in Umatilla for some time. It wasn’t long before Richard felt the desire to own his own pharmacy in Umatilla. Umatilla Drug opened in 2006. For the next 18 years, Richard became an important part of the community.
   “In his book, Crossing Paths Finding Hope, Richard references an event where a mother needed medication for her child. The mother was frantically calling pharmacies that were open with no luck. Even though Umatilla Drug was closed, Richard was working late and took the mother’s phone call. Having the needed medication, Richard waited for the mom to drive more than an hour away. Arriving at the drive-through, “Doc” handed the medication to the mom and wished her a goodnight.
   “I am sure there were many more stories of how Richard served the people in the Umatilla area over the years. He loved and bragged about his girls and his grandkids. He was so lucky to have Claudia and Meredith working alongside.
   "Richard will be missed by many, I am so grateful to have known him. Rest in peace, my friend. Your witness has brought so many closer to our savior Jesus Christ."
   In addition to its purpose as a pharmacy, Greer and wife Claudia operated the Umatilla Drug Store with a goal of Christian service. The family's behind-the-scenes efforts often included getting medicine to those who couldn't afford it and providing other support and encouragement in the name of their Christian faith.
   Kent Merrill, who served alongside Greer at The First Baptist Church of Umatilla, this week remembered his friend as a great Christian who kept his life in proper spiritual order: God, Claudia, Family.
   "Richard's greatest spiritual moments were many," Merrill said, "and his moments were one person at a time. That is how he would reach people. Of course, the drug store was a huge part of that. Witnessing to many who would never come to a church. Little did they know when they came into the Umatilla Drug Store they were entering church and leaving better than when they walked in."
   Merrill lauded Greer’s strength of faith exhibited as he battled against pancreatic cancer.
   “Richard knew when he got his diagnosis he had a long road ahead and even with that, he never lost his faith in Jesus Christ. In fact, his faith grew and faith of other grew because of his faith. In his darkest days when some would’ve given up their faith out of despair, Richard’s became stronger.”