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Asheville, NC—Paul P. Greene, owner of Wick and Greene Jewelers, died Sunday, November 6, at age 83. He died at home surrounded by family, said a statement on the firm's Facebook page.

An Asheville native, Greene grew up on a farm north of the city until age 14, when his father died and he had to find work in town to support his mother and two siblings. He worked for E.O. Wick of Pick-Wick Jewelers after school and on weekends. Later, under the G.I. Bill, he would apprentice to Wick as a hand engraver.

He joined the U.S. Navy at age 14, and was stationed at Treasure Island aboard the USS Oklahoma City. While on leave, he met Lucia Brown, the woman who was to become his wife, and in 1948 married her and returned to Asheville. He became a partner in the jewelry store, and it was renamed Wick and Greene. His son, Michael, and granddaughter Eva-Michelle later joined him in the business.

Greene was an active philanthropist in addition to being a creative jeweler and designer. He was a deacon emeritus in the Baptist church and a trustee emeritus at Mars Hill College. He was a member of the Asheville Kiwanis Club, and a pioneer in the revitalization of downtown Asheville, and served on many boards. He also was a weekend biker who loved to ride his motorcycle in the mountains surrounding the Asheville area.

Diamond cutter Maarten De Witte said on the Wick and Greene Facebook page, "My deepest sympathies to your entire fmaily. I always felt that Paul was the consummate personification of the southern gentleman. We are all blessed to have known him."

Lazare Kaplan, meanwhile, had this entry in tribute to Greene on its Facebook page:

Greene is survived by his wife of 63 years, Lucia, plus two children, Michael Greene and Paula Greene Webb, and three grandchildren.

A charitable endowment in Greene’s name has been established to help young entrepreneurs in the community. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Paul P. Greene Charitable Endowment at the Community Foundation of WNC, P.O. Box 1888, Asheville, NC 28806. Memorial donations may also be made to Calvary Baptist Church in Asheville or Mars Hill College in Mars Hill, NC.

To read the local obituary from the Asheville Citizen-Times or sign an online guest book, click here.