Col. Ray Gardner Green, Jr.
June 6, 1931 ~ October 14, 2004
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Every community in the United States needs a person such as Col. Ray Gardner Green, Jr, USAF (Ret.). Col. Green, 73, of 935 McKinnish Cove Drive, Asheville, died Thursday evening October 14, 2004, at the VA Medical Center.
A native of Manchester, NC, he was a son of the late Ray Gardner Green, Sr. and Mary Hammond Green. He graduated from Fayetteville High School in 1949, received a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University in 1954, a Master of Science from the University of Southern California in 1968, graduated from the Armed Forces Staff College in 1969 and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in 1972.
Col. Green retired in July 1984 with 30 years of honorable service in the United States Air Force including five overseas tours totaling 11 years, and 16 years experience at the senior management level as a commander, chief executive officer and staff officer. He was a command pilot with more than 5500 aircrew flying hours and 315 combat missions in Vietnam, a flight instructor and an electronics engineer.
Following his retirement from the Air Force he was Senior Instructor of the Air Force Junior ROTC at Enka High School and was the USAF Academy Admissions Liaison Officer for 15 years. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9939, Candler, NC, the Retired Officers Association and the Air Force Association. He was chairman of the Buncombe County Veterans Council and member of the Memorial Team. He also served as a Deacon and bus driver for Merrimon Avenue Baptist Church of which he was a member.
Col. Green thus became a living example of the promise...It Is Better To Give Than To Receive.
Survivors include his wife Kim Y. Green; two sons, Ray Gardner Green III and Steven Rox Green, both of Atlanta; two daughters, Suzanne Lynn Portors of Gerogery, Australia and Hyo Hooke of Durham; five grandchildren; and two sisters-in-law Betty Baker Green of Clinton, SC and Rosanne Arena Green of Richmond, VA.
The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday at Merrimon Avenue Baptist Church with the Rev. James Russell, the Rev. Dr. James H. Johnson, the Rev. Dr. John T. Tiller, and the Rev. Dr. Tom Lomax officiating. Military honors will be provided by the Buncombe County Veterans Council Memorial Team at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.
His family will receive friends from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Sunday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue and again at the church one hour prior to the service.
Memorials may be made to the Buncombe County Veterans Council Memorial Team, PO Box 17636, Asheville, NC 28816.
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Kim, We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Ray was one of our favorite people, he took us and our children in as if we were his own kids. He will truly be missed. Heavens gain — our loss. We love you all! Chris, Lori, Lauren and Landon Ledford
Kim, I am so sad to hear of your loss. Col. Green was an inspiration to me and many other R.O.T.C. cadets
Col Green taught me many things in my four years at Enka. I will miss him greatly and hope that he watches over us all still as he did in life. I have many fond memories of his words of wisdom and know that he will never be forgotten here.
Kim and Family,
Please accept our sincere condolences upon the loss of your dear loved one. It was a joy to see such a wonderful Christian man each week at church. His legacy is one to be proud of and I know he is now with his Heavenly Father. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill and Nancy Rathburn
Ray was one of my best friends in high school and in my wedding. Ray will be missed by us all.
It is with much sadness we learned today of Col. Green’s death. Our son, Nathan was in JrROTC at Enka High in the 80’s while the Colonel was there. Nathan, who is now a Gunnery Sergeant in the US Marines currently on deployment, admired him very much and was greatly influenced by him. Our prayers are with the Colonel’s family during their time of sorrow.
Kim, you are in my prayers. Ray will truly be remember for his love of the Lord and the many ways in which he showed it. I love you.
Love & Prayers
lavinia weaver
CPT, 3rd BN, NCSDM
Dear Mrs.Green and family,
I so admired Col.Green. You just had to be in the room with him to know he was a true man of God.
I am in Texas at this time but want you to know I am here for you anytime you should need me.
My phone # 651-8178.
In Christ love,
Chaplain Wayne Harris
Col. Greene was a great friend and a wonderful teacher to my daughter and myself. I regret loosing a good comrade.
Dear Kim and family,
I send my prayers to you.Ray is going to be missed by people every where. If anyone ever has been, he is a good man.
I have been going through what you must now go through. It will not be easy but remember you had what women all over wish for, a good marriage. We are blessed.We both know we shall see them again.
God be with you,
Jean
we will see your smile again
Colonal Green was an inspiration to every life he touched. He was a teacher, a mentor, and most importantly a dear friend. He made a difference in every life he touched. He was like a second father to me and I hope he knew how much I loved and looked up to him. You were the best and you will continue to live though your spirit and the memories of everyone you touched. ‘Thanks for the memories!’ Our prayers and thoughts to your family and friends….
I’m not sure how many lives Col. touched and changed over the years. But I know how much he made a difference in mine. He was a friend a mentor and he could still tell you when you were wrong, and make you like it. From Col. I learned tact and to stop and think before acting or opening my big mouth. To say he will be missed is an understatement but I know I will always carie a piece of Col. with me when I remember the lessons and Love he gave.
Maranda Swafford-Ramsey
Col. Green was an amazing person. I would not be the person I am today without his guidence. He was my teacher, my mentor, my second father but most of all he was my friend. This is truely one of the sadest days of my life. He will be dearly misssed.
Mrs Kim,
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Monica Rhodes-Ross
COL. WAS A WONDERFUL MAN. HE CHANGED MY LIFE AND MANY MANY MORE. HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. I AM SO SAD TO HEAR OF HIS PASSING, HE GAVE ME THE TOOLS TO BE A BETTER PERSON IN LIFE,AND I WILL ALWAYS BE GREATFUL TO HIM FOR THAT.
MRS KIM I JUST WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
ALL MY LOVE TO YOU COL.
We too were honored to have our lives touched by the man Ray Green. He was an ispiration to me on my job as he always came to find me and give a word of encouragement. He and my daughter had something in common as Duke fans and my wife said just to see his smile made it worth going to Merrimon with me on Sunday afternoon. Kim, you and all his family, both immediate and extended will be in our prayers in the days ahead. Just remember God’s grace is sufficient and we are not saying "Goodbye", only "Farewell" until we see that smile again.
Col. Green was a wonderful person and helped me through many rough times. Hetaught me tact, and to engage my brain before engaging my mouth.Hewas a teacher, a mentor and a dear friend. I always knew I could count on him. Mrs. Kim you will be in my family’s thoughts and prayers.
Dear Ms Green and family, I was very sorry to hear of Col Green’s passing. While teaching at Enka, he touched thousands of students lives, and was a great influence in helping many of them become better young adults. Most of them have scattered to the winds, but I know he loved hearing from them, and it was obvious he was very proud of them. So, on behalf of cadets past and present, may I say ‘His ready smile and the example he set for his cadets will never be forgotten.’
Lt Col Mick Dove, Enka Junior ROTC
Kim
Every day of his life, Col. Green was a professional citizen and soldier. May you, family and loved ones find solace in the fact that God needed another Angel to help lead His ‘troops’.
God Bless
Stancil L. Dilda, Jr.
Brig Gen, USAF(Ret)
I was Ray’s commander during his time as the leader of all Air Force communicatons and electronics specialists in the Republic of Korea in the 1970’s. He was a superb commander and a leader to his assigned man and women. I think of his service daily and I will miss him greatly. He was a leader in all activities in which he participated.
When I look back on those who taught me things, many that’s all they did, Col. didn’t just teach, he made you think, and that is what sticks in your memory the most. Through out my own time in the military, I can only wish to have had a commander such as Col. Green. The spirit of a leader burns on the inside, but a true leader lets that inner fire influence those around him. Col. Green was a true leader. He will be missed. my deepest condolences to those he left behind.
One of the greatest men I’ve known and definitely a big reason I am where I stand today. Our prayers go out to the entire family — Scott, Jen, and Ian
Mrs. Kim,
Thank you for sharing Colonel Green with all of us. He was one of the finest men I have ever known or will ever know in my life. He was a leader in every sense of the word, and every person that knew him was better for knowing him. He will be missed by many. I know that he will always be with you.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Melody
My thoughts and prayers are with the Colonel’s family. I was a student at Enka High School and graduated in 1995. While I wasn’t in ROTC, I do remember the Colonel for our conversations in the halls and for his impact on my friends who were in his classes. I pray that we may all live up to the example that the Colonel set, serving others and leading by action. Thank you for being his family, and for giving him the support he needed to go out and teach us kids how to grow up into good citizens and responsible adults. Thank you Colonel, and God speed.
Hyo and Chris and family,
Our love and prayers go out to you at this great loss for you all. Your Asbury Church family will be in prayer for you tomorrow,too, during the hour of the funeral.
May God grant you comfort and peace.
Grace and Peace,
Leonard and Coleen and your Asbury Family
col. Green was a very loved man… we will miss him very much….
Kim and family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Col. Green meant so much to Adam and is one of the main reasons Adam is serving in the Air Force now. He always had time to talk to young people and set such an awesome example by his life. He always showed a genuine interest and that just means so much!! Only heaven will reveal the lives that he touched. God bless you and know that our prayers are with you.
Nineteen years of wonderful memories (JROTC connected). I will miss him; and, I’ll see him on the objective.
Major Dave Creekmur
Senior Army Instructor
Owen H.S., Army JROTC
Col Green was a true man’s man; stern yet sensitive, articulate yet direct, respected by all but also respectful of others. I can’t possibly overstate his influence on my life. He will be greatly missed!
Col. Green always believed in me, was proud of me, and loved me even though I was only one of his students for only one year. He supported me and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. He loved God and was a good example. Thank you, Col. Green, you will be missed.
Col Green had such an impact on my life. He truly believed in me and what I could become (plus we shared the bond of being Duke fans). While at Enka, he helped me to overcome any obstacles in my way and pushed me further than I thought I could be pushed. I only hope that I have made him proud. My condolences to the Ms Kim and the family. I love you Col!
With Deepest Sympathy
Dear Mrs.Green and Family,
My condolences go out to all of you. The Col. and I worked together at Enka High. I feel very lucky to have been able to call him my friend. He always had an encouraging word,and a warm smile that greeted me each time I saw him. He made a great difference in the lives of the students at EHS.
Sincerely,
Susan DeWeese
Enka High School
We hated to hear about Ray. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Warmest regards,
Glenn & Carol Whited
My deepest sympathy to all of the Green family. Col Green was truly an American hero and a great friend in so many ways. He was a great man and I was very grateful to have met such a person in my lifetime. He touched so many people, each in a different way. Through my years with him in AFJROTC at Enka HS, Col Green was there for all of the cadets. To help guide us through the everyday challenges life put before us and always taught us to aim high. So here is a Cheers to you Col. You will be missed. Go Duke.
WILL BE AT FUNERAL JUST WANTED TO SEND CONDOLENCES AND SUPPORT TO THE FAMILY THE COLONEL WAS A GREAT MAN AND HIS PASSING WILL BE A GREAT LOSS TO ALL
Dear Mrs. Green,
I’m truely Sorry for your loss and give my deepest sypathy. Your husband was a great man and I learned alot from him. He was a very important person in my life in school as well as with my family my grandfather and him were good friends. My grandfather was Frank Thorne’ Leppert and Grandmother Nancy Leppert. You are a Beautiful woman and he loved you very deeply and I could see how much you truely loved him as well. Ray meant a lot to me and when I had both of my sons they thought he was a very neat guy (thats what my three year old said) I had no idea that anything was wrong I just spoke with him about a month ago at Ryan’s while he was eating dinner with you and some friends.
He is one of the reasons that Laremy and I are together and I have him to thank for the wonderful love that Laremy and I share Along with the two beautiful children that we share.
To all of you the family and friends I send my deepest regards.
With my deepest sympathy
Anna,Will (3), Zeb (1)Perry, and Laremy Grimm-he is the kids father and one of Col.Green students
Dear Kim and family,
I was so sadden to hear the news on Friday of Col. Green’s death. I feel blessed to have known and worked with him. It was such an honor for my students to take part in several Memorial and Veterans Day celebrations with him.
As I thought about his life my mind went to last Christmas when you and Ray came to my school and helped with the musical. I still remember him in his red sweater.
I will surely miss him as will this city and county.
I know he is rejoicing with our Lord now and would not want to return to this earth even if he could but we will grieve his passing.
My love and prayers are with you Kim and your family.
Sincerely,
Dru McClure
Our hearts go out to the the whole family for the loss of Ray. We will miss him even though we didn’t see each other regularly.
Dear Mrs. Green and Family,
We both had the privilege of working with Col. Green for many years at Enka High School. His professionalism, friendliness, and sense of humor inspired us to be the best we could be both in our work at school and our everyday living. We will miss him.
Dearest Kim and Family,
Know that our hearts go out to you and our prayers support you in this time of great grief. We remember Ray and rejoice in his life so exemplified by Philippians 2:3-5:’Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.’ Ray was a wonderful man and a great leader because he was first a humble servant.
May our Father’s love surround and support you during this time.
All our love,
Betty & Knox
I had the genuine privilege of serving in the USAF with Ray. He was the epitome of the professional Air Force officer, dedicated to his nation, his family, and the USAF. Ray Green was a practicing patriot.
The nation has lost a great leader with his passing.
Dear Sweet Kim and Family,
My heart is heavy with the news Mother just shared with me of Ray’s passing. Yet, in heaven, I know there is rejoicing.
I cannot tell you how very blessed I feel to have been able to be with you at Aunt Lena’s 100th Birthday Party. It was a wonderful day and such a joy to see you and Ray and enjoy the fruits of all your work to make the day memorable for all.
Ray was a kind and remarkable man and all the more so because of you, dear Kim. May our heavenly Comforter encircle you and your family with love and tenderness during this time of great sadness.
Bless you, dear ones.
Betty Sue
Having performed many memorial services during my time in the AFJROTC program, never once did I ever fathom, that one day I would do the same for one of the greatest mentors of my life. Sir, I salute you.
SSG GRADY D. PARRIS
U.S. ARMY, 15 YEARS
PROUDLY SERVING!!
I am a nurse on 5west at the Asheville VA Medical Center and helped to care for Mr. Green. He was a wounderful man and a joy to care for. My condolences go out to all the family for their tremendious loss.
Kim,
God bless you and your family. I will never forget the good times I had with Ray – especially when he brought the annual busload of ROTC students to Langley AFB for a visit to my control tower. He will be missed and remembered fondly by many in the Air Force community.
As a nurse on 5W at the VA Medical Center it was both a priviledge and an honor to be able to help care for this wonderful man. We all enjoyed meeting his beautiful and loving wife as well as his children. Know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
I am very sorry to hear of the loss of such a great person. All those that had the plesure of meeting Col Green will never forget him.
Dear Mrs. Green & family,
I grew up knowing Col. Green and when I got into High School was honored to have him as my instructor. I have always looked up to him. He was a wonderful man, and he will be greatly missed . I send you all of my sincere condolences. He is in a much better place now. May God bless your family and watch over you in this grieving time. I loved this man, and will miss him. God Bless
It’s hard to see one of my heroes go. But thank God we’ll get to see him again and listen to his stories
Kim and family,
I was very saddened to learn of Ray’s death and wanted to let you know that our prayers and thoughts are with you during this time in your life. Ray was a wonderful man and I considered him a friend during my time in Asheville. He touched many lives and was a true example of the Christian faith.
Randy and Pam Lamon
We are so sorry to hear about Col. Green. He had such a profound effect on David, both as a teacher and a friend. You have our deepest sympathies.
Col. Green was, without doubt, one of the greatest men I have ever known. I can’t possibly express the impact he had on my life. Of the many things I learned throughout the years, my most significant lesson was the importance of class.
I owe much of my success to Col. Green. He taught me class, ambition, and integrity. Without him and his influence on my life I imagine that I would not be where I am today.
Thank you Col., for being the man you were. You left me with numerous memories that I will never forget.
To Miss Kim ‘? my prayers are with you and your family.
In this life there are very few men who make an impact equal to that of Col. Green. He was truly a man of honor and integrity. I have worked in the funeral industry for several years and found no one who cared for the memory of Veterans like Col. Green. He will truly be missed. I can honestly say I am different by knowing him.
Dear Kim & Family,
We are so very sorry for your loss. We truly respected & loved Ray. Our prayers & thoughts are with you.
We Love You,
Tommy & Peggy Ferguson
Glenn & Margaret Stamey
my deepest sympathy. Its not often that someone comes along who touches so many lives. Col. Green did.Because of his work so many of us are the kind of good people we are today. Thank you Col. Green.
WHAT A MAN! WHAT A LOSS! God broke the mold when He made Col. Ray Green. To try and think of the number of lives he has touched, just by being himself, would be mind boggling. I’m just so glad mine was one of them. He played a major role in my going back to school and becoming a teacher. I worked as a secretary in the attendance office at Enka High School right down the hall from his classroom. One day he came and asked me to chaperone a trip JROTC was going on. I said I would. That was thirteen years ago and I’m still going. The interactment with students in his classes was what made me fall in-love with the idea of teaching high school students. I am now a Business Teacher at Enka High School and I still go with JROTC on their trips. Col. Green was always there with an encouraging word and smile. I don’t know if he could frown, I never saw him. He is going to be greatly missed by everyone who had the honor and privilege of knowing him. My heart is broken. This loss will be felt by many.
Kim and family, please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. If you need anything, please let me know.
Dear Kim and Family,
Chuck and I were deeply distressed to hear of Colonel Green’s homegoing. Although we haven’t been in contact with you two over the last few years, please know you have always been in our hearts.
The Colonel was a fine, Christian gentleman, who was always ready and willing to help wherever he was needed or asked. We are privileged to have known him.
Kim, you are very dear to us, also. If we can be of help to you please call on us. Love, Chuck and Sandi Sprinkle
1987 Enka High & 1991 US Air Force Academy Graduate
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Martin Family
My prayers are with you and yours. Col. Green was a light of excellence to my son, Tim Merschoff, when he attended Enka High. May God extend HIS peace to you during this time.
Dear Mrs. Green and Family,
Although Ray and I were opponents in the 1990 election, we were friends. We remained friends throughout the years and I admired and respected his friendship. I will miss him and Buncombe County will miss him. He is where he was meant to be, in God’s hands.
Please accept my deep condolences.
It is hard to put into words exactly how much I and everyone will miss Col. Ray. It broke me to hear about his passing and Mrs. Kim you are in my prayers every day! I will miss him greatly and hate that college kept me from even attending the service. I will never forget all the words of wisdom spoken by that man and the days we saw his heart breaking as he prayed for the armed forces. I know in my heart I will see him again, but for now it will be difficult for I lost a huge Christian model in my life. He impacted so many lives and continues to do so even now. My only hope is that I can have as great of an impact on society as he did, so I can please God as much as he did.
We were sadden to hear about our
‘neighbor’ Mr. Green, as we called
him. We will miss seeing him up and down the road and coming to the parts store.
Kim, we will be thinking of you. If you need help in any way, please call.
Col.Ray Green was a great man who everyone loved when I was in ROTC he always went out of his way to help me and others be the best that they could be may God bless you in your time of loss
Ray was a true warrior. He inspired young and old alike and was never without something good to say about his students and friends. He will be truely missed.
I am very sorry for your loss. Col Green was a good man and helped many become better people. He will be missed by many.
Dear Mrs. Kim, and the Green Family
I would first like to apologize for taking so long to write, but I felt compelled even after two years. The Col. always taught me to give 100%, that anything else was cheating yourself. I continue to follow these words of wisdom in everything I do. There are very few people that you meet in a lifetime, who make such a profound impact that you remember their words to your dying day. The Col. was one of those people. I feel sorrow that I could not make it to the funeral, but I will definately make time to visit his grave the next time I make it to Asheville. He deserves that much from me. My love goes out to you all in this time of sorrow. ‘Death is just the begining of a life that is greater than we can possibly imagine. May goodness and love follow you for all the days of your life.’
Sincerely, Christopher J. Kuhn
Col. Green was an inspiration to all of us he taught. He will be missed.
Col. Green was probably one of the greatest adult mentors that I have had in my life. Even when he was driving our youth group all over the place, he never lost the smile on his face. He always made me smile and our youth groups won’t be the same without him and Ms. Kim sitting up front in our bus. He will be greatly missed by myself and my family. Ms. Kim, my heartfelt prayers go out for you and your family. My deepest sympanthy.
I WISH TO SEND MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF RAY.
I WAS A CLASSMATE OF HIS AT FAYETTEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL. I GRADUATED IN 1948.
AT OUR LAST HIGH SCHOOL REUNION I WAS ABLE TO SHARE SOME MEMORIES WITH HIM AND I CHERISH THOSE TIMES
AND I WILL REMEMBER HIS WARM AND FRIENDLY NATURE.
MARY BROWN WOODRUFF
FAYETTEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
CLASS OF 1948
Mrs. Green and Family,
My family and I would like to express our deepest sympathy and condolences. Col Green was wonderful man. When I was 14, he shared with me the most significant secret of life; the love of Christ and what it means to live life as a Christian. Not only did he tech me leadership and self respect, he taught me the key to living a joy filled life.
As a former Enka JROTC cadet, to me Colonel Green is the very definition of an officer and a gentleman.
I met Col. Green at the Memorial Day Observances at City County Plaza. He was such a memorable person that just from the short contact I had with him I will always think of him when I encounter anything to do with Forward Air Controlling. I send my condolances and wish for God to comfort you in every way possible and I will keep you folks in my prayers.
Charlie Johnson
Asheville,NC
Col.Green will be greatly missed by all who knew him.Our prayers are with the family.
Mike and Judy Ledford.
Kim,
Please accept my deepest condolences, Col Green has been a role model for me since I was 14 years old. He commissioned me into the Air Force in 1995 in Raleigh at NC State University and I have spoken of him to almost every aviator I meet in the Air Force. In over 9 years of military service, I have not met a finer leader. I wanted you to know that I am a better person because of your husband and he was my hero. God Bless You.
Sincerely,
Alan Dayton
If there was ever one man who inspired so many, and touched the lives of so very many young people, Col. Green was just that. I look back and remember the warrior spirit embodied by him, and the look of fearless devotion seen through his eyes. Confidence, poise, and the pure essence of character were all attributes he shared with all he touched, he will be truly missed.
Your family is in my prayers, God Bless.
Pat and I are really sorry to hear about Ray. I worked with him at Scott AFB, IL and really enjoyed our time together. He was a true professional.
Tom Snyder
I have fond memories of Col Green, reaching back to his first days at Enka High School. His easy-going ways helped so many of us grow to become the people we are. I even wrote an essay about him in college–describing a mentor–the confident swagger to his step, the smile, and the personality that wanted you to do better in whatever you do. He truely mad a difference in my life, and I know we are all better off for knowing him.
I know that no words can be used to describe the lost of Col. Green. I held Col. in high reguard and the upmost respect. Col. was my mentor and the man that but my life where it is today. It was due to him that I joined the Air Force and Fly on a C-5. I learned so much from him not only about the AF but about life and how to live a good life. I due wish that I could had told him how well that I have done, due to his influnce. My deepest sympanty and reguards to his family he well me missed.
SrA Stephen Pinkerton ‘Pinky’
Col. Green was awesome! I got funny nicknames from him throughout my 2 years in the AFJROTC with him at EHS. He believed in me, passed down wisdom, treated me with respect, was like a ‘pops’ to so many of us & really knew how to make us laugh and he’d keep a straight face before giving that grin. He carried a strong presence, but knew how to kick back and just be fun too! I will forever cherish my pictures with him and memories of him. I wish I knew of his passing when it happened. I guess that’s what I get for moving so far away; I just so happened to see him as I was looking at my family members lost on here. Forever grateful for all he did in my life! My condolences to Mrs. Kim & family. You were so sweet. I’m so sorry for the pain. May your hearts feel him with you.
Colonel Green was my Commander when I was in Korea from June 1996 – 1997. It was my first duty assignment after Basic Training and Tech School, from. I have very fond memories of him. I still recall my first meeting with him. He made me feel very much at ease, and I could see that he was a man that I could relate to, look up to, and respect.
On one occasion, I hadn’t written home to my Grandmother in a few months, and she wrote to Col. Green, expressing her concerns, also telling him that I had grown up without a father. He called me into his office, showed me her letter, and then showed me his letter back.
He told my Grandma that he would treat me as if I was his own son. That had a major effect on me. He’s the only person in my life that ever told me that. I wish I had taken better advantage of that opportunity, and gotten to know him better, but there are few men that I have known in my life, that I have respected more. I wish there was a way I could tell him.
I was just wondering what happened to him, did a ‘Google Search’ and found this. He was truly a great man, and, all these years later, I miss him greatly.
I meant, 1976 to 1977. Time flies.
Thank you to everyone who passed on their thoughts and memories of my Dad, it makes my heart burst with pride.
Lest We Forget.
Your loving daughter, Suzanne
Colonel Green was always such a gentleman, a fine man. He always greeted me with a smile and a good morning, and kept up with my ball teams’ progress! Very conscious of image and setting an example for all his students.
Prayers for his family