Ricky Lee Greenen Jr., a man whose spirit was as vibrant and enduring as the coastlines he loved, passed away on June 12, 2026, in Spartanburg after a long and courageous battle with leukemia. Born on November 2, 1972, in Gaffney, Ricky's life was a journey marked by strength, honesty, and a restless yearning to explore the world around him.

Ricky was a passionate mechanic, with a particular fascination for international combustion engines, a field that perfectly matched his headstrong nature and keen intellect. His career in construction and auto mechanics took him along various stretches of the coast, where he built homes and immersed himself in the beauty of water and nature—places where his soul truly felt at home. He never stayed in one spot for long, embodying the essence of a wandering soul, never lost but always seeking.

His loved ones reminisce about the simple, joyful times that defined his early years—playing in the woods, jumping on the trampoline, wrestling neighbors, and crafting world wrestling belts out of aluminum foil. Fishing together and playing in the river were cherished moments, filled with laughter and connection. Above all, those who knew him best treasured his honesty. Ricky was unwaveringly truthful; if you didn’t want the truth, you simply didn’t ask him.

Despite the hardships brought on by illness, Ricky remained a fighter until the very end. For the entirety of his battle, even up to two weeks before his passing, he showed incredible strength and resilience, never allowing self-pity to shadow his courageous spirit.

Ricky is survived by his father, Ricky Lee Greene Sr.; his brother, Mike Seals, and Mike’s girlfriend, Tina Smiley, whose devoted care, compassion, and support meant so much to him; and his beloved daughter, Nikki Greene, along with her three children. They, along with many others who loved him, carry forward the memory of a man who lived life on his terms—honest, determined, and full of heart.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Kay Simmons; his brother, Rusty Greene; and Mama and Papa Seals.

Ricky Lee Greenen Jr.’s life was a testament to the beauty of persistence and the power of living authentically. Though he has left this earthly realm, the echoes of his laughter by the riverbank, his steadfast love of the ocean, and the clarity of his spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved him. He was, and always will be, deeply missed.