2OO7 Friday, November 9, 2007 11:00 a.m. Thomson, Georgia Reverend F. D. Favors ~ Pastor . . .Officiating . . . - Joseph David Greene was born on October 18,1940 to the late Charlie and Lula Greene in rural Emanuel County, surrounded by cotton fields in the Cross-Green Com munity. Joseph accepted Christ at an early age and joined the Piney Grove Baptist Church. He was a faithful member and served as an usher. In 1959 he moved from the Cross-Green community with a high school diploma, $35 saved from picking cotton tucked away in his pocket and embarked on a long journey in pursuit of success. Jo seph began the second phase of his life after settling in Thomson where he joined the Springfield Baptist Church and became an active member and deacon. On his journey up the corporate ladder, his first stop landed him a job with the Pilgrim Health and Life Insurance Company as a door-to-door salesman in Thomson. After a long string of promotions, he became Executive Vice President/Chief Marketing Officer and a mem ber of the companys Board of Directors. He continued his quest for an education while enjoying an astounding fast-track career, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Ad ministration, Master of Business Administration and a Chartered Life Underwriter post graduate degree. Josephs commitment to public service would lead to a series of firsts. He became the first African-American elected to public office in McDuffie County when he was elected to the McDuffie County Board of Education; the first African-American to sit on doz ens of governing boards. He would eventually become Chairman of the University System of Georgias Board of Regents, presiding over the States then thirty-four col leges and universities. He would become a founding charter member of Georgia Caro lina Bancshares and First Bank of Georgia, both formidable financial institutions. Joseph was united in Holy Matrimony to Barney L. Robinson in Wagener, South Caro lina on August 13, 1961. This union was blessed with two children: Dr. Cathy J. Hatcher of Elmsford, New York and J. David Greene, Jr. of Thomson, Georgia. Joseph was also blessed with three grandchildren: Colin Z. Hatcher, Joseph D. Greene, II, and Haley N. Greene. He was also blessed with four sisters-in-law, three brothers-in-law and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Lula; one sister, Christine; and three brothers, Solomon, Charlie and Jack. Joseph maintained his stoicism, love of family and friends, Christian beliefs and compassion for humanity and mentorship until the end. As we close this final chapter on the life of Joseph David Greene, may the remembrance of him be a joy to our hearts and lives, and a source of strength to us as well as generations to come. May the peace and grace of God be with us always, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Crossing the Bar t?: ,;w > ; ' q Sunset and evening star, : And one clear call for me, And may there be no moaning of the bar, When I put out to sea. But such a tide as moving seems asleep, Too /ull for sound and foam, When that which drew from out the boundless deep Turns again home. ,-, Twilight and evening bell, And after that dark! And may there be no sadness of farewell, When I embark; For tho from out our bourne of Time and Place The flood may bear me far, I hope to see my Pilot face to face When I have crossed the bar. ,.5 ; ', .-*>;: ; ; !/ -.i 'VT - > - ALFRED TENNYSON "While we may gain solace and satisfaction from myopic visions of past accomplishments, it will be ever more important to focus clearly on the challenges and opportunities of the future. One person can make a difference." "I do not know how to spell Cant. The largest room in the world is the room for self improvement. The Paradoxical Commandments People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway. If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway. . ' ;>M ,>A i- ,:'> . The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. , Be honest and frank anyway. The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds. Think big anyway. People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs. Fight for a few underdogs anyway. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. ' Build anyway. i. : .".<,*'v,.^,.; v: ' "Deep River" ' Eulogy ...................................................Reverend Frederick D. Favors Recessional ......................................................... Deacon James Isom "Going Up Yonder" ' - . .;<*-.;', --.Li" 'j^iv^ Interment ...........................................................West View Cemetery Thomson, Georgia ~ Repast ~ Springfield Baptist Church The Thomson Depot - 111 Railroad Street, Thomson, Georgia 30824 ... SERVICE PARTICIPANTS .. Springfield Baptist Church Deacons Alpha Mu Boule Fraternity First Bank of Georgia Directors Augusta State University Faculty Springfield Baptist Church Adult Sunday School Class Springfield Baptist Church Deaconesses The possession of family and friends is a priceless gift from God for which we are eternally grateful. Thank you for caring and sharing during the transition of our loved one. In lieu of flowers and gifts, we request that donations he made in memory of Joseph to the following charitable society: . ' American Cancer Society 2607 Commons Boulevard Augusta, Georgia 30909 - THE FAMILY Professional Services Entrusted To 536 Martin Luther King, Jr. Street Thomson, Georgia 30824 706-595-3110