Elizabethton City Council unanimously approved a resolution on March 14, 2024, to rename the Elizabethton Municipal Airport in honor of local leader William B. Greene Jr.. This decision recognizes Greene’s significant contributions to the airport’s establishment and his long-standing service to the community.
Greene, who has navigated his way through a lifetime of dedication to Elizabethton, attended the council meeting with the assistance of a cane. As he approached the council members, a voice from the audience congratulated him. Greene appeared surprised, responding with a grin, “I don’t know what I’m being congratulated for.” The atmosphere was one of respect and admiration as the council prepared to honor him with this resolution.
During the meeting, City Attorney Roger Day highlighted Greene’s pivotal role in creating the airport in 1967. The resolution notes that Greene was “almost entirely responsible” for securing approval, funding, and overseeing the construction of the airport. Greene’s leadership has extended over 58 years as the chairman of the Elizabethton Airport Authority, a record unmatched by any other official in the city’s history.
Reflecting on the challenges he faced, Greene stated, “The Elizabethton airport was a struggle.” He recounted the difficulties he experienced during the airport’s application process, humorously noting that he lost 126 accounts at the bank he owned at the time, the Carter County Bank, when he filed the application with the state.
The airport has since become a vital asset to the region, with Greene emphasizing its economic impact. “Eighty percent of those traveling by aircraft that come into Western North Carolina do so through the Elizabethton airport,” he explained. Under his chairmanship, the airport flourished, notably attracting the Moody Bible Institute’s aviation program, which contributed to its growth for over four decades.
The Elizabethton Municipal Airport is classified as a regional service airport, supporting both East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. It serves as a base for important operations, including the Highlands Emergency Air Rescue and Transport and various corporate flight departments.
In a moment of camaraderie, Mayor William E. “Bill” Carter presented Greene with a framed copy of the resolution. Carter described Greene as a “very noble citizen,” expressing that the renaming of the airport serves as a “small token of our appreciation for what you’ve done for us and for the citizens of Elizabethton.”
Greene expressed gratitude towards the council and the community, stating, “When you have the culture that we have, when you have the caliber of people we have in Carter County, Elizabethton, there is no place on earth better to live than where you live right here in East Tennessee.” This sentiment resonated with many in attendance, highlighting the strong community bonds and shared values that define Elizabethton.
As the city honors Greene’s legacy, the renaming of the airport stands as a tribute to his vision and dedication, ensuring that his contributions to the community will be remembered for generations to come.
