Joseph Greene, Jr.

Shelby - Joseph Greene Jr., age 77, of 10103 Trailmoor Rd. Charlotte, NC, peacefully transitioned from this life on Monday August 5, 2019 at his residence surrounded by family.

 A Memorial service will be held on Saturday August 17, 2019 at 11: A.M. at Mt. Zion Restoration Church 2311 Crescent Lane Gastonia NC 28052.

Mr. Joseph Greene, Jr. was born in Durham, North Carolina on April 29, 1942. He was the first of eight children born to the late Joseph Sr. and Christine McDuffie Green.  He transitioned peacefully at home in the presence of his family on August 5, 2019 after a courageous battle against Corticobasal Syndrome, a form of Parkinson’s Disease.

Mr. Greene was reared in the West End Community of Durham.  At a young age, he was introduced to our Lord and Savior and joined Morehead Avenue Baptist Church (Durham, NC) where he was an active member.  He matriculated in Durham County Schools, including Hillside High School in Durham. He began his storied career while working at The Foundation of Community Development in Durham, which was followed by many years in real estate brokerage. He was awarded a certificate of completion for Internship in Small Venture Management at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Business Administration in 1972.

In 1974, Mr. Greene met the love of his life, Veronica Ross, and they were married on January 24, 1976.  Two daughters were born into this union.  They made their home in Cleveland County, North Carolina where he joined Washington Missionary Baptist Church (Shelby, NC) in 1976 and served as a trustee, choir member, and participated in the drama department. In 1992, Mr. Greene was a founding member of New Life Christian Church (Kings Mountain, NC) where he served as Chairman of the Finance Committee and as a trustee. 

From 1977 until 1986, Mr. Greene worked for the City of Gastonia as a Rehabilitation Officer. Upon establishing his roots in Cleveland, Gaston, and Mecklenburg Counties, Mr. Greene set upon entrepreneurship and established various businesses over four decades.  These endeavors comprised of Green Haven Family Care Home, Inc. (1977), Metrolina Courier, Inc. (1986), Stony Point Child Day Care Center, Inc. (1989), Greene Acres Property Group, Inc. (1989), Greater Gaston Community Thrift Store, Inc. (1992), United Logistics, Inc. (2003), and Metro Transportation Services, LLC (2009).  Despite Mr. Greene’s rigorous involvement in his businesses, he dedicated time to service activities and efforts to support the advancement of his local communities.  This included The Boys and Girls Club of Gaston County, Cleveland County Business Association, 100 Black Men of Charlotte, and Men Who Care of Charlotte, among others.  Mr. Greene also monetarily donated to numerous college scholarship funds over the years. 

Because of his commitment to countless civic efforts personally and professionally, he was awarded by the following: The Gaston County Private Industry Council as “Outstanding Employer” in 1989 and 1990; Gaston College and the T. Jeffers Scholarship Committee for his commitment to youth in Gaston County and for his generous support of the T. Jeffers Scholarship Fund in 1990;  recognition of appreciation by the Gaston Community Action Head Start Policy Council from 1979-1984 for “Outstanding Service”; a Distinguished Service Award and a Key to the City of Gastonia in 1986; recognition by the Gastonia Chapter of Las Amigas Award in appreciation for employment opportunities to the citizens of Gaston County in 1990; Awarded the “Handicap Employer of the Year” by The Gaston County Chamber of Commerce in 1990 to recognize his pledge to and accomplished effort in providing career opportunities to individuals with special needs; The Small Business Entrepreneurial of the Year Award by The Cleveland County Business Development Center, Inc. in 2002; and the Pride Magazine Minority Business Entrepreneur (MBE) of Distinction Award in 2014. Further, Mr. Greene was tremendously honored and proud for his transportation and logistics company to have been decorated as “The Official Transportation Carrier of the Democratic National Convention” in 2012.

Mr. Greene lived a joyous and fruitful life. He possessed an approachable disposition and had a pleasant nature. Mr. Greene was looked to for trusted friendship and sound advice. He was a man with an abiding love for The Father, his family, his church, and his community.  His hobbies included gardening, reading, traveling, examining history, mentoring, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as “Paw Paw”.  His challenging health slowed him down but never pierced his spirit.

Preceding him in death are his parents, father- and mother-in-law, Will Sr. and Thelma Howell Ross, brothers-in-law Will Jackson Ross, Jr. (“Bobby”), Henry Littlejohn, Hoyia Saunders and Darnell Wilder, and one grandson, Warren Christian Ramseur. 

Mr. Greene leaves to treasure his precious and irreplaceable memory, his loving and devoted wife of 43 years; two daughters: Adero Ramseur (Warren) and Kaddra Greene; four grandchildren: Warren Isaiah, Lauren Ayanna, Christiana Alise, and Elijah Joseph Ramseur; one brother: Weldon Green; six sisters: Mattie Watson (Randolph), Betty Green, Alice Alston (James), Edith Saunders, Emma Wilder, and Hattie Anthony (James); six sisters-in-law: Libby Foster (James), Maggie Stevenson (Garry I), Antwynette Littlejohn, Alice Padgett (McArthur), Wendy Porter (Willie) and Gwendolyn Cole; and two brothers-in-law:  Maverick Ross (Mary), and Christopher Roberts (Kathryn).

Mr. Greene had many special business relationships including trusted manager of his personal and professional affairs for 33 years, Jackie Gardin.

Mr. Greene also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, colleagues, and his adored communities throughout Cleveland, Gaston, Mecklenburg and Durham Counties to cherish his beloved memory. 

A very special acknowledgement and expression of profound indebtedness is extended to Pruitt Health, Parkinson Association of the Carolinas and Atrium HealthCare, with explicit recognition to Mr. Greene’s personal care team of Geneva Robinson, Shirley Williamson, Tera Curlee,  Mary Medford, LaPrina Smith and Amanda Maner for the ongoing medical management provided throughout his illness.

A Celebration of Life memorial service is schedule for 11 A.M. on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at Mount Zion Restoration Church located at 2311 Crescent Lane in Gastonia, NC.  A repass is to follow, location to be announced at the memorial service. 

Genesis Funeral Services & Chapel Inc. (Shelby, NC) is serving the family.

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