GARDENDALE, Ala. (January 27, 2013)--Church members and friends in Gardendale, Ala., knew the Rev. Terry Greer as a joyful fellow with thick white hair and a quick smile, but now, they're struggling to understand how the United Methodist minister ended up charged with killing his wife and wounding their daughter during a shooting at the church-owned home.

Kenny Clemons, a church member and friend, says the Greer he came to know couldn’t have committed the shooting.

A defense lawyer says health problems were a key in the pastor's downward spiral, which began last fall.

Police say it exploded in a shooting and suicide attempt Jan. 10 in the Birmingham suburb.

Greer is charged with murder and attempted murder, and is hospitalized with self-inflicted stab wounds.