The CarolinaEast family joins the broader medical community and residents across the region in mourning the profound loss of Dr. Paul Greenlaw

The CarolinaEast family joins the broader medical community and residents across the region in mourning the profound loss of Dr. Paul Greenlaw — a truly extraordinary surgeon and, more importantly, a remarkable human being. His passing has left an unmistakable void not only within the halls of CarolinaEast Medical Center but throughout the lives of the countless individuals he touched over decades of dedicated service.

Dr. Paul Greenlaw was more than just one of the most skilled and respected surgeons our institution has ever known — he was a mentor, a friend, a confidant, and a steady, calming presence during some of life’s most challenging moments. With an impeccable reputation in the operating room and a deep sense of compassion outside of it, Paul exemplified what it meant to practice medicine with both excellence and heart.

Over the course of his celebrated career, Dr. Greenlaw performed thousands of surgeries, each time bringing the same level of meticulous precision, thoughtful analysis, and quiet humility. Colleagues often remarked on his tireless work ethic, his encyclopedic knowledge of surgical techniques, and his natural ability to remain calm under pressure. But what truly set him apart was his deep empathy — the way he saw every patient not just as a chart or a diagnosis, but as a person deserving of care, dignity, and hope.

To his patients, Dr. Greenlaw was a trusted healer. Many remember his warm bedside manner, his way of explaining complex procedures with clarity and reassurance, and his unshakeable commitment to their recovery. For the frightened and uncertain, he was a voice of calm. For the critically ill, he was a beacon of possibility. And for the families standing beside them, he was a source of steady guidance and gentle support.

Among his colleagues, Paul was deeply admired and loved. He was never too busy to lend advice to a junior doctor, never too tired to check in on a late-night emergency, and never too proud to credit his team for a successful outcome. He mentored generations of young physicians, nurses, and surgical technicians, shaping the future of medicine not only through his own work but through the minds and hearts he inspired.

But it wasn’t just in the hospital where Dr. Greenlaw made a difference. He was an active member of the community, often volunteering at local health clinics, speaking at schools, and serving on medical mission trips abroad. His humility belied the breadth of his impact. He believed in the importance of giving back, and he lived that belief every day.

Outside of his professional life, Paul was a devoted husband, a loving father, a loyal friend, and an all-around genuine soul. He had a quiet wit, a deep love for nature, and a passion for teaching others — whether that meant guiding a resident through a complicated case or showing his grandchild how to cast a fishing line. He lived his life with integrity, purpose, and grace.

The grief we feel in losing Dr. Paul Greenlaw is immeasurable, but so too is the gratitude we carry for having known him. We are honored to have worked beside him, to have learned from him, and to have witnessed his legacy in action.

To his family, we extend our deepest sympathies. Please know that Paul’s memory will forever be cherished by his CarolinaEast family and by all those whose lives were changed by his care. Though he may be gone from our sight, the mark he left on this world — in healing, in teaching, and in kindness — will endure for generations to come.

Rest in peace, Dr. Greenlaw. You will never be forgotten.