Posted on 10/29/2018
Oscar Greene, Jr. died Thursday, October 25, 2018.
A memorial service will be held at 11 am at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Kinston, NC on Wednesday, October 31 with Rev. Tom Warren officiating. A reception will follow at the Kinston Country Club.
Oscar was born February 19, 1924 in Kinston, NC to Oscar and Clara Hines Greene. He attended Woodberry Forest School and the US Naval Academy. At the Naval Academy, he was a two time Intercollegiate Wrestling Champion and Captain of the wrestling team. Upon graduation, he was inducted into the U.S. Naval Academy Sports Hall of Fame. He never lost a wrestling match while at the Academy. Oscar was invited to go to the Olympics for wrestling but chose to go into the U.S. Navy. His service in the U.S. Navy consisted of several deployments aboard ships that varied from aircraft carriers to LSTs. He served as Commanding Officer aboard a LST during the Korean War. In 1952, he returned to Kinston to work at Kinston Electric Company (later known as Electricon) with his father. During his tenure, Electricon Inc. evolved into one of the largest Electrical/Mechanical Contractors in the Southeast.
Oscar was very active in the community. He served as President of Kinston Kiwanis Club, Chairman of the Tidewater Regional Blood Program, Chairman of The United Way Kinston NC, President of Kinston-Lenoir Chamber of Commerce, and President of Hope Mission in Morehead City.
He was awarded Outstanding Kinston Jaycee in 1957 and 1959, NC Outstanding Jaycee, United Way Outstanding Award, and Kinston Lenoir County Outstanding Citizen of the Year. He also served on many local boards, including First Citizens, NCNB, First Financial, The Little Bank, and the Global Trans Park, as well as the Vestry of both St. Mary's and St. Andrews Episcopal Churches.
Oscar met his wife Betsy when she was in high school and they married upon his graduation from the Academy in 1946. They were married for 54 years.
Oscar was a dedicated lifelong fitness enthusiast. He ran and did calisthenics just about every day for 50 years, and was often seen jogging down the streets of Kinston and Morehead City. His weekends were filled with family time as well as hunting, fishing, and boating. Oscar and Betsy spent much of their retirement time in Morehead City where they took particular pleasure in supporting Hope Mission.
Those who knew Oscar knew a man with an indelible wit and sense of humor who was full of life, enthusiasm, generosity, and kindness.
Oscar is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Greene of Raleigh; son, Oscar Greene, III and wife, Beth of Kinston. His grandchildren are Taylor Griggs of Raleigh, and Kathryn Morris and husband, Sean of Seattle. He was predeceased in death by his wife, Betsy Buchanan Greene, grandson, Andrew (Andy) Oscar Greene, and his traveling companion of many years Ms. Myrtilla Brody.
The family is grateful for and gives special thanks to his dedicated caregivers-Wiley Boone, Deloris Williams, Margaret Dove, Wanda Myers, Roger Ormond, and Sherll Cooper.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hope Mission, 1412 Bridges St., Morehead City NC 28557; Salvation Army 2110 N Queen St. Kinston NC 28501; and Boy Scouts of America East Carolina Council, 313 Boy Scout Blvd. Kinston NC 28501.
Arrangements by Edwards Funeral Home & Cremations. Online condolences may be expressed at www.edwardsfhc.com.
Edwards Funeral Home
702 North Queen St
Kinston, NC 28501
(252) 527-1123
Published in The News & Observer on Oct. 28, 2018