Fred Green

The abiding love of a husband, father and grandfather. Fred Douglas Green, 84, was born Sunday, February 23, 1936, to Russell and Odell Green in Emporia Virginia. Fred was educated in Greensville County by the Emporia Public School System. He graduated from E.W. Wyatt High School in Emporia, Class of 1954. Fred always had a great thirst for education and advanced his education at Virginia State University in Ettrick, Virginia and earned his B.A. with the class of 1958 and Master’s Degree in 1970. He cherished the love of his life, Susie Long, and they were united in holy matrimony on December 30, 1968 in Richmond, Virginia. Their union was blessed with two sons, Boyce and Kyle. Fred and Susie were life companions and remained married for 51 delightful years before his passing. For 31 years Fred pursued a life-long career in education and nurturing young minds. He taught science at Mosby Middle School in historic Church Hill for 29 years. During his time at Mosby, he mentored many young people and assisted their development in becoming productive adults. Fred retired from Richmond Public Schools in 1989 and continued his parallel career as an entrepreneur investing in real estate. He, as well as all of his siblings followed in their father’s (Russell Green) footsteps. As an active member in his church throughout his childhood, Fred accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior, and was baptized at Royal Baptist Church at an early age. He was truly a giving, dedicated man who knew and trusted the Lord. His faith was strong and God was embedded in his heart. It was faith that fostered his courage and fueled his optimism. He tried to show others a better way. He tried to guide those who had lost their way, and he never gave up EVER on ANYONE. This meant everything to him and he found joy in knowing that he helped others accomplish their goals. Fred was a family man who relished providing for his family and made sure that they wanted for nothing. As a husband and father, he worked tirelessly to give them the best and most loving home. Taking care of his family and making them happy was always his number one priority. He shared a special bond with his boys and grandchildren, whom he loved dearly. He was humble and often wore a glorious smile. He lived life to the fullest and loved laughing with others. He was well received by people from all walks of life. His life had an amazing impact on all who encountered his beautiful spirit. Fred looked for opportunities to serve his community. He knew his gift of teaching could help youth understand the importance of good citizenship. He was dedicated to developing community based organizations that would contribute to the community’s enhancement. Fred Green’s giving spirit drove him to commit his time and knowledge to the development of a philanthropic legacy. Fred cared for numerous children in the community; showering them with lots of love and wisdom. His love of mentoring manifested by creating an outreach place. In 1958, Fred, with others founded the Community Youth Center (CYC), a place where many children of Emporia attended and later became great members of the community. Fred was committed to promoting positive development in youth through leadership, education and training. The mission of the youth center allowed him to continue his passion for leading and fostering the growth of young people. The CYC offered childcare, a place for recreation, meals on wheels, a summer program and a safe place for youth. Anyone who had a conversation with him will never forget the wisdom he possessed, the love he showed and the peace he encouraged. His love for children and the world around him was extended to those he encountered in his daily walk of life and to those he mentored during his outreach. Fred lived every day as an example of loving unconditionally and unlimited devotion to family, community and fostering growth to young people. In addition to being the former Chairman and President of the CYC, he was the former Chairman of the Virginia State University Alumni Fountain, the VSU Alumni Association (Metro Richmond Chapter) and President of the East End Public Library Advisory Council. On Wednesday, October 7, 2020, Fred received the call to rest from his earthly toil to have eternal life. We take solace in the truth of the scripture: “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord!” 2 Corinthians 5:8. To know him, was to love him. Fred was preceded in death by his mother and father; his sisters, Mary Alice Jones, Irene Sills and Virginia Speller and his brother, George Green. He leaves to stand in his legacy: his beloved wife, Susie Long; two caring, adoring sons, Kyle Green (Sanaa) and Boyce Green (Charlayne); seven adored grandchildren, Christopher, Cade, Devon, Tabatha, Kala, Kodi and Keon; three great-grandchildren, Kaylani, Kellen and Kalil; brother, Joseph Green (Louise); sister, Mable Hedgepath (Hugh); a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends; as well as many mentees who called him “Dad”. Fred leaves many loving memories which will always be in the hearts of his family and friends. There were many meaningful relationships gained throughout his life both professionally and spiritually. His life has given us memories too beautiful to forget. Fred is deeply loved, truly missed, and will always be cherished. We will miss your laughter, wisdom, and forever honor your memory. You are truly a gift to our lives. We will make you proud because we know as you rest, you are watching over us. “Beyond the gate our loved one finds happiness and rest. And there is confidence in the thought, that a loving God knows best.”

Tributes

Fred Green

February 23, 1936 - October 7, 2020