Samuel Green Jr

Samuel Green, Jr. a native of Houston, Texas was born July 17,1940 to the parents of Samuel Green, Sr. and Laura Lee (Glasgow) Green. Sam was a Texan with New Iberia, LA roots and was the youngest of three surviving children. His early childhood was spent on Gregg Street in Fifth Ward. Affectionately nicknamed “Bully” by his cousin Bobby, Sam was destined for greatness and success. He graduated from Phillis Wheatley High School at the age of 16 with the class of 1957 and was an outstanding student. He was among The Who’s Who Among Student Leaders in High Schools of America in 1956-1957.

Sam helped to integrate The University of Texas at Austin in 1957 at the tender age of 17 where he met and later married Arthurine (Sims) Green and to this union two children were born: Samuel Green III and Cynthia Green. It was also at The University of Texas at Austin where Sam became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. He was #1 on the Charter Line of The Epsilon Iota Chapter and served as the Line President of the Sphinx pledge group. He was a member of The Sigma Gamma Lambda Chapter in Cypress, TX at the time of death. The epitome of an Alpha Man: strong in character, mind and body.

Sam was a Servant Leader and highly intelligent. Sam also faithfully served his country in The United States Air Force. He returned home and began his lifelong career with The United States Postal Service where he served in several positions including the regional manager of the southern region’s equal opportunity branch in Memphis, TN and Houston’s Postmaster from 1984-1989. Sam retired in 1994 from The United States Postal Service as Senior Vice President of Customer Sales and Services, one of the highest positions held by an African American. He helped to open the door for African Americans within management roles. He promoted, mentored and helped to ensure that qualified people of color were afforded the same opportunities as others. While employed with The USPS, Sam was often featured in the local newspapers, Jet Magazine and other printed materials. As Proverbs 18:16 states, “A man's gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.” Sam met Presidents of The United States of America, Members of Congress and Mayors. He later married Gwen (Busby) Green and assisted with her two sons: William Douglas Yancy, Jr. and Bakari Wayne Yancy.

Sam gave his life to Christ at an early age. He was a student of the Word of God. He served as a church trustee and was an active member of New Mount Calvary Baptist Church, Houston, TX until his health declined from Alzheimer’s Disease. Faith, Family and a Commitment to help others added the needed balance.

He leaves a rich legacy behind. He stressed the importance of a good education and financial independence and ensured that all of his future offspring would have the funds to attend college.

Sam was an avid golfer, bowler and world traveler with a giving spirit. He loved spending time with family. Quick witted and fiery, Sam’s work ethic was of the highest degree. He described himself as firm but fair.

Special thanks to Joe and Alma Harris; Michele, Doug and Austin Greer for assisting Sam during the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Thank you, Roy “Butch” Gaines, Jr. for all of your support with your uncle who was like a brother. Special thanks to Samantha, Symone and Simon Green for providing in-home primary care for your granddad affectionately known as “Paw Paw” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Parents, Laura and Samuel Green, Sr. and siblings, Lola Mae Green, James Green and Verna Mae Simmons, preceded Sam in death. He leaves to cherish his memory son, Samuel Green III (Jannica); daughter, Cynthia Green Morrison; grandchildren: LaKeesha Green, Dominic Green, Samantha Green, Laura Morrison, Symone Green, Simon Green and Samuel Morrison; great-grandchildren: Aaliyah Green, Daranique Green, Zareeah Green, Paris Tolbert, Mariyah Green and Khloe Green; forever friend and former wife Gwen Green and sons, William Douglas Yancy, Jr. (LaKenya), Bakari Wayne Yancy (Brittany); sister-in-law Elaine Green; two nephews: Roy Gaines, Jr. (Myra) and Michael Simmons (Renee); four nieces: Patricia Bryant; Sharyl Butler (Eric), Shelia Simmons and Stacy Walker (Ryan) along with a host of cousins, great nieces and nephews as well as close friends including God daughters Nell Williams and Shamecia (Mecee) Simmons.

Thank you, Mr. Samuel Green Jr. for holding the torch high and lighting the way for others.