David Walden Greenlee, 83, passed away at his home in Buda, Texas surrounded by his family on November 4, 2017. David was born June 26, 1934, in Mercedes, Texas to Hellen Glasscock Greenlee and Ralph Gillespie Greenlee, Sr. David spent most of his childhood years in Austin and Temple, Texas. He was a charming and enthusiastic storyteller, entertaining young and old. His storytelling came from expeditions and adventures from his life peppered with a historian’s view of all sorts of amazing knowledge – knowledge where the heart always found its way back to Texas history.
David was an avid learner and viewed each day and each person he encountered as an opportunity to learn. His optimism and zest for life was remarkable. He loved the outdoors, especially Texas’ natural wonders Big Bend, the Davis and Glasscock Mountains. One of his greatest joys was to share his love for Texas and God’s country on adventures with his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, telling stories along the way.
He especially loved Austin, where in his formative years, he rode his horse up Shoal Creek, before there was Lamar Blvd., to visit his grandparents’ ranch in Kyle, Texas. He was amazed by Austin’s exploding popularity.
To be loved by David Greenlee was to feel like you were something special. When he greeted you, he looked you in the eyes with a smile that said, “Oh my God, I love you so.” The bear hug that followed and the “Oh, it is so wonderful to see you” always reminded you of how much he loved you through your life.
David received his B.B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin in 1958; his B.S. in Geology from Sul Ross State in 1960; and received his M.S. in Geology from Texas Tech University in 1963. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity at the University of Texas at Austin.
David’s career in geology began as a member of the Texas Tech Shackleton Glacier Geologic Expedition in Antarctica. This expedition led to the discovery of a steep-sided, jagged mountain known today as Mount Greenlee. He shared his passion for geology by serving as Sr. Exploration Geologist, Mobil Oil Company; District Geologist, Signal Oil & Gas; Exploration Manager, North American Royalties; General Manager – Exploration/ Production Clayton W. Williams, Jr. Company; Environmental Geology Instructor – Austin Community College; President-Geologist/ Telsus Exploration, Inc.; and, Vice-President Exploration Production – Santa Rosa Exploration LLC. Throughout his professional life, he was an Independent Consulting Geologist.
His professional affiliations with more than 50 years of active service include the American Associations of Petroleum Geologist and The Geologic Society of America.
He loved being in the bosom of his family and his favorite time was always time spent with his loved ones. David leaves behind a loving family including his wife of 35 years Jackye Savage Greenlee; children David Walden Greenlee Jr., Katherine Greenlee Uhlhorn (Tudor); Medric Allen Scivicque (Pamela), Vicque Scivicque Nubel (Mike), and DeAnn Scivicque Wilson (Russell); grandchildren Caitlin and Austin Greenlee; Cutter, Hubbard, and Seton Uhlhorn; Carter Scivicque (Jennifer) and Joseph Scivicque; Caleigh and Reed Wilson; and Christian Nubel; great granddaughters Sadie and Ellie Scivicque; sister Hellen “Chica” Greenlee (Allen Boatwright); brother Dr. Ralph Gillespie Greenlee, Jr. (Stirling); nieces and nephews Robert, Ted, and Charles Sanderson; Rafe Greenlee, Geraldine Hooks, Hellen Pennell; Noel Wilkerson Holmes, Katie Wilkerson Carnes, David Wilkerson; and many other grand nieces and nephews.
His family is comforted knowing he is in Heaven celebrating with Jesus and with family that has gone before him. David believed strongly in the power of prayer and LOVED the Episcopal Church. He was a member of Holy Spirit Episcopal Church in Dripping Springs.
A memorial service will be held December 2, 2017 at 2pm at Holy Spirit Episcopal Church, 301 Hays Country Acres Rd., Dripping Springs, TX 78620.
A private burial service will be held at a future date.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in memory of David W. Greenlee to Holy Spirit Episcopal Church, 301 Hays Country Acres Rd., Drippings Springs, TX 78620.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Encompass Hospice for their loving care and also to Dave’s medical team, Dr. James Marroquin, Dr. Clay Cauthen, Dr. Stephen Taylor, and Dr. Herb Singh, for their excellent care and support over the years.
