Ocala - John Montgomery Greene died May 10 at Ocala Regional Hospital. He was 85. A retired attorney, a graduate of Ocala High School, Colgate University and University of Virginia Law School, John was born in New York City, moving to Ocala in 1925.
   He was one of the founding members of The Marion Players (Ocala Civic Theatre), Exalted Ruler of the BPOE. He was for many years a member of Grace Episcopal Church.
   In WWII he served with the parachute infantry 508th Regiment of the 82nd Airborne. He jumped with his regiment on D-Day, was wounded, then jumped again with his regiment at Arnhem. He was captured there and spent several months as a Prisoner of War.
   His familiarity with the Episcopal service made it possible for him to lead prayers in the camp that housed American and English prisoners.
   He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Rosemary Thrasher Greene, and by three daughters, Susan Greene Moring (Randall) of Ocala, Dru Greene (Jon Thaxton) of Sarasota, and M'Lou Greene of Charlotte, N.C. as well as three grandchildren, Buff Moring Hoeft (Joey) of Ocala, David Montgomery Moring (Patti) of Ocala, Sarah Cal (Rito) of Garberville, Cal., and three great grandchildren, one niece and two nephews, five great-nieces and two great-nephews.
   Honoring John's request, burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Hospice of Ocala, Interfaith or the Ocala Civic Theatre.

 Published in Ocala Star-Banner from May 17 to May 18, 2009