HORACE GREEN was born on July 10, 1939 to the late Artley Dansby Green and the late James Green in Hogansville, Georgia. He was the second of eleven children born to this union. In addition to his parents, several of his siblings preceded him in death: Four brothers – Morris (Horace’s twin), Ronald, Willie James and Thomas “Lil Bro”; one sister – Janie Ruth. Horace was always dependable and a great asset to his mother and helped in preparing meals for his younger siblings.
Horace graduated from West End High School, Hogansville, Georgia with the class of 1958. In June, 1962 he met and married a very special lady, the late Gladys Towns, LaGrange, Georgia. To this union two sons were born – Horace Lamar “Lil Horace” and Kenneth Ray.
Horace accepted Christ in his life at an early age and joined St. Paul A. M. E. Church where he attended until July 31, 1962 when he was drafted into the United States Army. On June 1, 1981, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant First Class. He served his country admirably for twenty-one (21) years. He retired from the Army on May 31, 1983 with honorable discharges. He received the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal (6), The Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, National Defense Service Medal, Oversees Service Bar (1), Oversees Service Ribbon (2), The Army Service Ribbon, M-14 Rifle Expert Badge and M-16 Rifle Expert Badge plus many more. Horace was trained as a Race Relations Instructor and earned a degree in Communications/Electronics.
Horace was truly a man of God! He dedicated his life in service for the Lord. Throughout his travels, he would find a church to join and work within. While stationed overseas, he was one of the founders of a Christian church located in Frankfurt, Germany. When he retired, he moved his family back to Huachuca City, Arizona and joined Antioch Baptist Church where he was ordained as a deacon and served as chairman of the board. He loved to sing gospel songs and was also a member of the choir. He discovered his entrepreneurial spirit and capitalized on his early childhood cooking skills by opening his own restaurant in Sierra Vista, Arizona called “Green’s Barbecue Pit”. People would come from near and far to taste his delicious ribs, chicken and his famous peach cobbler. He was a great photographer, videographer and an all-around “handyman”!
Horace moved to Decatur, Georgia in 1995. It was his desire to give back to the church and community that gave him his start in life and also to worship and sing with his sisters. He immediately rejoined St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Hogansville, GA. He joined the Gospel Choir, Hogansville Circuit Male Chorus and became a member of Peaceful Harmony Gospel Group based out of Atlanta, GA. He was elected President of the Sons of Allen (St. Paul); Pro Tem, Steward Board (St. Paul), served on the Finance Committee and as Lay President. Horace represented the circuit as a delegate to the Annual Conference for the A. M. E Church on numerous occasions.
On August 31, 2002, Horace married the woman of his dreams, one who would stand by his side and forever hold a special place in his heart and he in hers, the former Beatrice Slay.
Horace was crowned Barbecue King – Green Family Reunion - July, 2016 and crowned King of St. Paul AME Church fundraising contest - October, 2016
Horace was committed and dedicated to God, his church and to his family. He was a role model to everyone - his children, grandchildren and to his siblings. There was nothing he would not do for you. If he said he would do it, it was as good as done! He was always punctual, kind, lovable and helpful. His smile was genuine and infectious. He never allowed any health challenges to stand in his way nor hold him back. His determination in everything he attempted to do was relentless. He lived his life to the fullest.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Beatrice Green; Two sons – Horace Lamar Green (Marjan) Marianna, FL, Kenneth Ray Green (Alma), Huntsville, AL; Two Grand-Children – Devonte and Dearyll Green; One Great-Grandson, Devonte Green, Jr: Five sisters – Sharon (Rev. Charlie F.) Stembridge, Fairburn, GA, Gale (Clarence) Romans, College Park, GA, Roenell, (Rev. John) West, Riverdale, GA, Patricia Culberson, Atlanta, GA, O’Berian Geter, Hogansville, GA; One brother-Larry Barnes, Augusta, GA; One stepbrother - Cecil (Sandra) Drummond; Three Brothers-In-Law – Jerome Slay, LaGrange, GA, E. Benjamin Slay, Cleveland, Ohio, Bobby Lee (Mabel) Slay, Cleveland, Ohio; One sister – Mary Alice (Robert) Paige, Fairburn, GA; One aunt – Connie Dansby, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.