He was born Nov. 4, 1933 to Henry Milton and Bertha Williamson Green in Fries, VA. As a young man growing up in a small town, Bob dreamed of going to new and exciting places, and that he did. While attending Emory and Henry College, Bob met his soon to be wife, Clara while working as a lifeguard at Fairy Stone National Park. Bob and Clara were married on June 9, 1956 soon after graduation from Emory and Henry. Following his graduation, Bob was drafted into the US Army and stationed in Stuttgart, Germany where he and his wife traveled extensively, skiing in the Alps and visiting many European countries. Upon completion of his armed service, Bob began working on a tank program in Germany where they resided for 5 years, welcoming their son Thomas into the family. A year later, adding a daughter, Georgianna .
Bob was employed by the General Motors Co. upon his return to the States and worked there as an Automotive Engineer for the next 42 years. He loved his work and could fix a tank, car or boat engine in a blink. He was also able to attend graduate school and was awarded his MBA from the University of Detroit.
A lover of wildlife and all animals, his beloved dog Pugsley in particular, Bob was an avid fisherman who enjoyed being on the Great Lakes with his Grady White. He was also a competitive tennis player and continued to play with a lovely group of retired friends at the University Club. Bob was a member of the Okemos Community Church and an active member of the local Kiwanis Club, committed to improving the lives of children in the area. Strong and steady, patient and kind, Bob was a true Southern gentleman that will be missed so very much by all that knew him.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Clara Green, son Thomas Green (Kim), daughter Georgianna Slazinski (Michael) and 6 beautiful grandchildren Clark (19) Quinn (15) Alyse (15) Madison (15) Olivia (15) and Sinclair (12). Bob was adored by his family and treasured by his grandchildren. He will always be remembered as a Papa with a heart of gold.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 28 at 12:00 pm with visitation one hour prior to the service and following until 3:00 pm at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823. Those friends wishing to honor Bob’s life may do so by making a donation in his name to the Okemos Kiwanis Chapter, 2182 Butternut, Okemos, MI 48864 or Nongame Fish and Wildlife Fund, P.O Box 30451, Lansing, MI 48909-7951
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