‘His is a great American story’: Community celebrates Rev. Bill Greason on his 100th birthday

BIRMINGHAM, Ala ( WIAT ) — Family, friends, city and state leaders gathered to celebrate and look back on the life of Rev. William “Bill” Greason for his 100th birthday celebration at Rickwood Field.

Greason is one of the first black men to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps, a pastor of over 52 years, and Greason is also known for his career as a star pitcher for the Birmingham Black Barons in the Negro Leagues.

Looking back, Rev. Greason doesn’t take sole credit for those accomplishments.

“Baseball didn’t do nothing for me. I did something for baseball, but God did everything for me. He saved me, he blessed me, protected me, provided for me, kept me safe all of my days. That’s who I give all of my glory to,” said Rev. Greason.

Congresswoman Terri Sewell was among a number of speakers at Greason’s birthday celebration, saying it’s a duty to keep the legacy of history makers like Greason alive.

“He had to walk by faith through so many of his trials and tribulations, and the fact that he still remains so humble and so willing to give up himself and still pastor at the same church for 53 years. I mean his is a great American story,” said Sewell.

The celebration, hosted by Heart and Armor Foundation of Veteran’s Health, brought both veterans and active-duty military to attend and to pay their respects and give back to Greason as he spent decades giving to others.

“He opened the doors for generations of people of all races who wanted to serve their country. And he did so with baseball, and he opened a lot of people not just locally, but nationally he is a hero,” said Gerard Shoucroun, the Executive Director of Heart and Armor Foundation of Veterans Health.

With 100 years now under his belt, Greason said he wants to leave one message that has stuck with him all these years.

“Forget about yourself. Keep your mind on the lord and stay humble. No need of exalting yourself to try to make people think you’re more than you are. Just be yourself and God will take care of you,” said Greason.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.