Leonard Sheppard Green

Leonard Sheppard Green, known as “Pug” by many of his friends and family passed away October 20, 2011 at age 91. The funeral service is scheduled for 3:00 pm on Sunday, October 23 at Peace United Church of Christ at 2714 West Market Street, Greensboro, NC.

Leonard was born on January 17, 1920 in Charlotte, NC to the late Kemp and Dora Darr Green. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and Clem Greene and one sister, Leone G. Cook.

Survivors include Temple, his wife of 61 years and five loving daughters, Leslie, Donna, Kelly, Lenne and Charlotte. He is also survived by a brother Kenneth “Red” Greene and wife Shirley of Charlotte, NC.

Surviving sons-in-law are Jeff Smith of Cary, NC, Dr. Gary Bowen of Chapel Hill, NC, Dr. Michael Barri of Wilmington, NC and Greg Beck of Mooresville, NC. Also surviving are nine grandchildren: Dr. Jeffrey Smith and wife Carly of Columbia, SC; Kelly and husband Peter Jones of Arlington, VA; Christopher Bowen of Chapel Hill, NC; Natalie and husband Dr. Robert Peterson of Chapel Hill, NC; John and Eva Barri of Wilmington, NC; Jake Chesnick of Apex, NC; Hunter and Sam Beck of Mooresville, NC.

Surviving great grandchildren include Cameron, Susannah and Charlotte Peterson of Chapel Hill, NC; Kemp and Grayson Smith of Columbia, SC; and Quinn and Spencer Jones of Arlington, VA. Surviving nieces are Vicky Jorgenson, Rebecca Fennewald and nephew Paul Greene.

Leonard graduated from Central High School in Charlotte, NC. Following high school graduation he attended Mars Hill College for two years. He then enlisted in the US Navy where he served for three years during World War II. After the War, he attended The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Appalachian State University where he received a BS Degree and later a Masters Degree.

While at Naval Pre Flight Training School in Chapel Hill, he was an active participant in squadron sports. Always athletic, Leonard won letters in boxing, football, baseball and tumbling. He was a Golden Gloves Champion and a boxing standout at UNC where he had the honor of boxing in the Sugar Bowl in 1947.

Leonard began his 30 year teaching career in Mecklenburg County where he taught for several years. From 1958-1962, he was employed by the Department of Defense Dependents Schools-Europe where he taught science and coached winning teams in football and basketball. He retired from Greensboro Public Schools in 1979. Many young minds have benefited from his wisdom and guidance. He will always be known affectionately as “Mr. Green” by his former students.

While his health allowed, Leonard was an active member of Peace United Church of Christ where he taught Sunday school.

As his brother Kenneth stated, “My brother was a champion in so many ways…as a brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, teacher and coach…a TRUE CHAMPION!

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Beacon Place Hospice & Palliative Care Center, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC; The Alzheimer’s Association, 3800 Shamrock Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215-3220; or Peace United Church of Christ, 2714 West Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27403.