John Paul Green

John "Paul" Green entered this world on March 12, 1937, in Rockville, Maryland to parents David and Lela Green. It was a day that started a long journey filled with love, heartbreak, joy, giving, serving, hard work, and dedication.

Paul was the sixth son out of thirteen boys that would make up the Green Family. The family that worked hard supporting the family farm as a daily part of life. They didn't have much in the world's view, yet they felt as though they were living the dream through a bond that was made strong in hard work, support and love for each other.

All the Green boys would go to church together on Sunday because of Mrs. Edna Armstrong a woman of the Lord would pick them all up on Sunday to go to church. In 1956 Betty visited a cousin in Nokesville, VA that went to the same church as Paul. That was just the beginning. Paul met Betty that Sunday and then pursued her by calling her, then they started dating and that was the beginning of a lifetime commitment to loving each other.

On January 6, 1958, they were married. Shortly after the marriage, 2 of Paul’s older brothers who were living in Florida convenience them to consider moving to Florida once the doctors said it would be a better environment for Paul’s health, that was all it took. They went off to Miami. On June 15, 1959, their first child arrived, a son Mark Edward. Shortly after his birth they decided that they were too far away from the bulk of the family, deciding that family was more important than other things back to Manassas they went. Remaining between Manassas and Fairfax where they added to their family a son, Marcus Lee born September 16, 1960, and a daughter Lois Marie born September 25, 1961.

Paul was a man that wasn’t afraid of working hard. He always provided for his family no matter how long the days when he arrived home, he was focused on family time, building strong bonds of admiration, laughter, quality time and love.

His work ethic made it possible for his wife Betty to be a stay-at-home mom to raise their children. When the time came for the youngest to start school, Betty then decided she wanted to work. Paul was very supportive of her wishes and they both agreed as long as she would be at home when school ended.

In 1965 they moved to Baltimore, Maryland. Their neighbors John and Ann Dixon’s daughter Annette invited Lois to go to a group called Sunbeams at their church, The Salvation Army. After going for a bit, the family began to attend The Salvation Army, then this became the church home for Paul’s family.

In 1966 Paul was very active in the corps with the youth programs. A place where he impacted many young people’s lives. Investing in spending time with them, taking them fishing, and of course ballgames. Paul remained active and serving in The Salvation Army until he could no longer attend. He was a faithful soldier to the end.

During their time of living in Baltimore the family attended many Orioles games, lots of family vacations to Florida for fishing, beach and all the amusement parks they had to offer. With many weekends trips for Sunday family gatherings at Grandparents Harris house.

In 1973, Toy House Company was encouraging Paul to make a move to Florida to expand their company. A vacation in the spring to Florida with taking time to meet with company executives and get a tour of the location for the expansion in Florida. The offer was too good to pass up for the financial security of his family. August of 1973 was another change for the family moving to Lakeland Florida where they all temporarily lived with Paul’s parents, David and Lela.

Buying land and a home in Polk City, Florida where they have lived for the last 40 plus years. And two more job changes during his working life to Bulter Sales and then to Keebler. Where he was able to arrange for donations to be made to the social service program of the Lakeland Corps.

Paul was a man whose love for others always sharing or giving of his time to help a single mom, a family struggling and the elderly needing things from simple household chores being done, to providing basic food essentials most importantly just listening having a conversation. Paul never mentioned these things to others because his heart was about giving or doing something nice for someone in need and not about getting recognition. Although Paul didn’t tell others Lois was able to be a part of some of these acts of love meeting other’s needs. As Paul departed, he would pray with them and let them know that he would continue praying for them.

Paul was number one in his field of work, always excelling. He was a simple man but very intelligent man with a passion for anything he did. He loved his grandchildren and great children with his whole being. He would entertain them with his quick witty responses and have a good time pulling their leg as they say. They had lots of time to just be present with him and enjoy lots of laughter.

As Paul’s body began to decline his caring sensitive heart remained the same and he never stopped praying for the needs of others.

Paul and Betty faced adversity together in a united front on all matters of life they were partners always figuring life survival out together. Paul’s love for Betty remained fresh as a new love, deep and unwavering through their 67 years of marriage.

He is survived by his wife Betty Lou; children Mark Edward Green (Rebecca), Lois Marie Green, and grandchildren: John Paul “JP” Green II (Cindy), Jessica Dawn Tracy, Eric Wesley Green, Aaron Jacob Green, Caleb Josiah Green (Joely), Sarah Marie Green, and Eli William Green. He is also survived by great-grandchildren: Arianna Marie Green, Eden Titus Green, Erie Lucille Green, and Eliza Jo Green; as well as brothers Stewart, Ennis, Henry “Pee Wee,” and Britt Green.

He was preceded in death by his son Marcus Lee Green; parents David Scott and Lela Marie Green; daughter-in-law Peggy Jean Green; and brothers David, Jackson “Jack,” Herbert “Lloyd,” Harold, Donald, Garland, Franklin, and Percy Green.

Although Paul’s wit, encouragement, and laughter will be missed by all. His love will continue to survive through all those that ever had the privilege and honor to know him.