News of the death of local physician and Clarkesville Mayor Terry Greene is being met with sadness and disbelief this morning. The 53-year old Greene died at 10:23 Sunday night, some three and a half hours after being shot following what police describe as a “domestic altercation” at his home on Asbury Street.
Clarkesville Police Chief Brad Barrett says he was shot in the head. He was life flighted from Habersham Medical Center to Atlanta Medical Center where he later died.
Greene was an internist who opened his practice in Habersham in 1992. He recently served as Habersham Medical Center’s Chief of Staff.
Hospital CEO Jerry Wise issued a statement on behalf of the hospital Monday morning:
“The Habersham Medical Center family is filled with unimaginable grief and sadness upon learning of the passing of Dr. Terry Greene. Our hearts go out to his family, office staff, patients and countless others who admired and appreciated his medical expertise and leadership. Dr. Greene served for 23 years on the HMC Medical Staff, including serving as Chief of Staff from 2012 to 2014. His passing is a huge loss to our medical family, and we join the entire Habersham County community in mourning.”
In addition to his duties as doctor, Greene was well-known for his political service. He served on the Clarkesville Planning and Zoning Commission for four years prior to being elected to the Clarkesville City Council in 1999. He was elected mayor in 2005 and re-elected twice after. He was serving his third term as mayor when he died.
The Clarkesville City Council and City Manager, Barbara Kesler, issued this statement Monday:
“We are all devastated by the tragic loss of our mayor, colleague and friend, Dr. Terry Greene. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and we ask that you please respect their privacy during this difficult time. We thank you for the outpouring of prayers and support. We have no further comments at this time.”
There’s been an outpouring of grief, love and support for the family and community on social media:
Bobby Jones – “Reading all the outpouring of love and support for this dr. makes me weep , sometimes folks don’t know just how many love and respect and need that person to be in their lives until they’re gone. I pray and weep for the family and all of the many of you who are impacted by this loss…God bless”
Crystal DeForest – “This is so unbelievably SAD! Such a good man, great doctor, and citizen! From how I knew him, I just absolutely hate how he left this earth, it was not an honorable way, for an honorable man! My heart goes out to his family and friends during this horrible time in their lives, I’m so sorry! Many thoughts and prayers will be given!”
No funeral arrangements have been announced.
The shooting remains under investigation by the GBI.
