Joseph "Joe" Lee Greene, Jr.

Joseph L. Greene, Jr. was born September 1, 1928, as the third child and only son to Lillian and Joseph L. Greene Sr. in Gadsden, Alabama. He was a son, a brother, a husband, a father, a grandfather, an uncle, and a friend to many.

Joe Greene spent his entire life as an educator.  He embodied a quiet strength with wisdom that made him easy to talk to. Family and friends were important to him.  He was an encourager and spoke the truth as he understood it, this would often leave those in conversation with plenty to ponder. 

He lived his life to serve.  His greatest call to service was to teach in public school.  Joe began his teaching career as a science teacher and retired from his public-school career as a school guidance counselor.  Joe served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict.  He served the community at large over the years through his involvement as a member and on the board of the YMCA; as a member of Mt. Zion Congregational Church UCC he served in a variety of leadership positions.  Joe was a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated since 1948, where he established lifelong friendships and was a charter member of the chapter in Huntsville, Alabama.

The consistent thread in his life was his pursuit to remain a lifelong learner and to encourage others to do the same.  Through his academic studies he attained a Master of Science in Education along with certifications in school guidance counseling as well as family counseling.  He understood that attaining knowledge could occur in many ways and encouraged others to find their own path.  That seeking of knowledge extended beyond academia to learning to upholster furniture, refinish and stain wood furnishings, tinkering in his yard and around the house.

Now the educator was not the only side of him.  Joe knew how to have a good time with family and friends.  He enjoyed a good laugh, a good drink and sports. Joseph Greene deeply loved his family and they loved him right back.  In his family he was simply known as “Brother” or “Uncle.”  Even among close family friends, when they heard either one of those names, it was understood who embodied that reference.  His spirit set him apart.

Reflecting on his life, he had this advice:  no matter your age, don’t disengage with life, maintain your friendships, social interactions and keep getting out and ask yourself each day, how are my actions today going to make someone’s life better or the community I am in a better place. He will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by all of his family and many friends.

Joseph leaves to cherish his memory; one son, James B..; three grandsons: James Jr. (Lolita), Ernest, Lewis; four granddaughters: LaCole Gay (Robert), Brittany Obileye (Tunde), Mary Jane, and Brianne Gharevba (Jonathan); six great-grandchildren: Cameron, McKenzie, Ernest Jr., James III, Skylar Gay and Carter Gharevba; three sisters: Mamie (Maurice) Jones, Ruth Williams, Ruby Brooks; special cousin, Maudy Henderson; devoted friends - Frank Cheeks, Gladys Walcott, Deborah Stokes and Minnie Johnson families; many nephews, nieces and dear friends.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph "Joe" Lee Greene, Jr., please visit our floral store.