Ian Greeley

Ian Matthew Greeley, age 26, passed away in his sleep on October 21, 2023, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, on June 11, 1997, he was preceded in death by grandparents Maxine R. and Mark S. Greeley, Sr., and Vada R. and W. Douglas Gary; and aunts Suzanne G. Woody (Leroy W.) and Sharon G. Stockham (W. Henry). He is survived by parents Leigh G. and Mark S. Greeley, Jr.; brothers Adam P. (W. Blake Leonard) and Duncan A. Greeley (María A. Rodríguez Mustafa); aunts Sally G. Gerry (Michael T., Jr.) and Marcia L. Thompson (Michael I.); numerous cousins; and many close and loving friends. Ian had the opportunity to work with several talented scientists at both the University of Tennessee at Knoxville (UTK) and nearby Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) during his undergraduate studies in Material Sciences and Engineering (MSE) at UTK, including over three years at the UTK Scintillation Materials Research Center. During the 2019-2020 academic year, Ian was named a Goldwater Scholar, widely considered one of the more prestigious national academic awards in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) undergraduate education, and one of only two such awardees at UTK during that academic year. Following his graduation summa cum laude in the spring of 2020 with a Bachelor of Science in MSE, Ian was accepted into graduate school at the Pennsylvania State University, where he pursued a Master of Science in MSE through the summer of 2023. At the time of his passing, he had just begun a PhD program in MSE at the University of Michigan (UM) in Ann Arbor for the 2023-2024 academic year. In addition to his many academic activities, Ian had numerous other interests actively pursued during his far too short lifetime. His appreciation of the outdoors and service to others was fostered by years of participation in the Boy Scouts of America program, during which he attained the highest rank of Eagle Scout. He enjoyed backpacking, day hikes, short walks and service opportunities as time with his studies and other activities permitted. Ian served as a Boy Scout merit badge counselor in areas related to his expertise during his undergraduate years at UTK, while also acting as an MSE Ambassador representing the department at College of Engineering events and in advising sessions with prospective engineering students. The sport of soccer was a particular obsession of Ian’s. In addition to being a fan of English Premier League Football (specifically Arsenal), he played the game from middle school at the Episcopal School of Knoxville through varsity soccer at Knoxville Catholic High School, in addition to years of recreational and club soccer. Illustrating both his passion for the sport and continuing interest in service opportunities, Ian also served as an assistant soccer coach for a local high school team for two years during his undergraduate studies at UTK, while continuing to maintain high grades in his demanding Honors MSE program. Other non-academic interests included cooking, which became a new passion for Ian during his graduate studies. He was always looking for the most unusual ingredients and cooking approaches with which to experiment, and loved to compare new recipes and cookbooks with his relatives. Another favorite respite from his studies was to socialize and play online games with a circle of tight-knit friends from high school and UTK. Ian had a particular love for animals, especially his family cats and dog, and looked forward to adopting a shelter pet once he was settled into his new position at UM. While he didn’t have an opportunity to do much international travel yet, his horizons were broadened by an Engineering alternative break trip to Ghana while at UTK and looked forwards to many such travels in his future. His relatives and friends are grateful for all the memories and moments shared over the years with Ian. He was a kind, caring soul with a wry sense of humor, and never had anything bad to say about another. We will miss all the funny stories and videos that he was always able to find and share with family and friends (especially the cat videos with his mom). Our world is emptier and darker with the loss of his light in our lives, and we are saddened for others who will never be able to experience all that he had to offer. A private viewing was held by immediate family members at Rose-Mann Funeral Home in Knoxville prior to cremation. A Celebration of Ian’s Life will be held in the spring of 2024 with close friends and family at a time and place to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a local humane society or animal shelter of personal choice. In Knoxville, one such example can be found at https://www.young-williams.org/. Memories and condolences may be shared at rosefuneraltn.com.

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Ian Greeley

June 11, 1997 - October 21, 2023