OBITUARY
Donald Ray Green
June 7, 1938 – July 7, 2015
Dr. Donald Ray Green, age 77, died at Memorial Hermann Southwest in Houston, Texas, on Tuesday, July 7, 2015. Born June 7, 1938, in Whitehouse, Texas, he lived in Houston, Texas and was recently retired from the Houston Community College System as a psychology professor for 25 years. In 1962, Dr. Green earned his bachelors degree from Fisk University where he was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. He obtained his masters degree from the University of Massachusetts in 1964 and received his Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from Arizona State University in 1969.
One of Donald's favorite passions was for bonsai. His love for the art began when his daughter gave him his first bonsai tree approximately 15 years ago. Donald was an active member of the Houston Bonsai Society where he served as president from 2005 through 2008 and was the current the BCI Ambassador Chairman. During his years of doing bonsai, he had amassed over 200 trees and currently has 108 in his personal collection. Survivors include his wife Diane Green; daughter Donata Green of Atlanta, GA and son Michael Green of Katy, TX. Other surviving relatives include two grandchildren, Austin Green, Kynedi Stevens and one younger sister Mauvoylynne Blaylock of Dallas, TX. A memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 11th, at Levy Funeral Home, 4525 Bissonnet, Bellaire, Texas 77041. Relatives and friends are welcome to attend the service and the reception at Levy Funeral Home. Memorial contributions are welcome. The family asks that flowers and plants be sent to Levy Funeral Directors at 4525 Bissonnet, Bellaire, Texas 77041. In lieu of plants or flowers a donation can be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) at www.aspca.org.
Services
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Memorial Serevice
Saturday, July 11, 2015
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Memorial Service
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Memories
Donald Ray Green
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYCC Nguyen
November 14, 2017
I just learned about this news - two years later. Dr. Donald Green is the reason I'm an adjunct at HCCS. He saws something in me that I didn't. He told me my passion is teaching. I didn't discover this until after agreeing to teach for him (he was the dean in 2002) for one semester. And, 15 years later, I'm still doing what I love.
No words can accurately capture my respect and admiration for Dr. Donald Green. He believed in me when I didn't even believe in myself.
Dr. Green, you've been a big part of my journey the past 15 years. I'm grateful our paths crossed.
Rossana Cromwell
October 16, 2015
I am shocked. I just found out today. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I loved Donald and his lovely wife. I am so sad. What a wonderful man! The meetings will not be the same without him. I will be ready for a hug when we meet again dear friend!
Kathryn M Velasquez
September 2, 2015
Hello, Dear Green Family,
Dr Green is the reason I chose the field of Psychology, He was my first psychology professor at HCC. As I went on to get my Bachelors of Science in Psychology I often called Dr. Green for advise, I would jokingly say to him " When I grow up I want to be Just like you Dr. Green!" and he would reply " No Kathryn be better than me" (a hard task to accomplish) As I entered my Graduate program (HBU) I often thought about Dr. Green, I will Never forget him! He made such an impact on the lives of many of his students, myself included! I know he will cheer as I get my PhD. and say Well Kathryn you grew up to be just like me! May God Bless you all in your time of sorrow! I only wish I had been aware of his passing I would have attended his service! ( I just know he's in Heaven analyzing a few angles!)
Joanne Hsu
July 20, 2015
Don was my friend and colleague at HCC for over 24 years. So shocked to find out that he passed away on 7/7/2015. We always had nice conversations with laughter whenever we see each other. I am deeply grateful for his wisdom, kindness, dignity, and friendship over the years. You will be greatly missed, Don!
July 13, 2015
Dr. Donald Green, A fine Gentleman and Inspiring Instructor at Houston Community College SW.
I had the honor of working near Dr. Green for many years. His humble grace and respectful manner to all support staff was awesome. I am so proud to have known him and his legacy will live forever in his students. patti wooldridge
Charles Newton
July 12, 2015
Don was my first department chair at HCC and I have known him for 15 years. He was a great boss and great man... everything he did showed kindness, grace and strength. I have confidence I will see him again.
Harvey&Janet Wilson
July 11, 2015
Goodbye dear friend, you will be missed so very much.
Linda Whitney
July 11, 2015
Don's beautiful smile that warms the room is missed, but his spirit endures. God's peace be with you, Don.
Donna Dobberfuhl
July 11, 2015
I met Donald some years ago at a Bonsai event and I found him a gentle, steady soul and of kind heart. We reunited at a bonsai workshop a few weeks ago, I will miss him. To Donald's family..."As many fishes that are in the sea, are how many kinds wishes I give to thee."
Charles Ware
July 11, 2015
Donald was a calm, steady force with everything he seemed to be involved in. He was a joy to work with and will be missed.
Chuck Ware
Scott Barboza
July 11, 2015
It is hard to say goodbye, Donald. You were a wonderful friend and mentor and leave behind many lives enriched from having known you. My thoughts are with your family as they grapple with this terrible loss. You will be missed.
Hoe Chuah
July 10, 2015
Our condolences to Don's family. He is remembered as a gentle well spoken person, and had done great works promoting bonsai in Houston. He will be missed by many of his bonsai friends, and anyone touched by his kindness.
Cathy Douse-Harris
July 10, 2015
My sincere condolences to the family of Dr. Green. He was a such wonderful gentleman and scholar. His smile would brighten your day. He will be missed and never forgotten.
Denise Boyd
July 10, 2015
Donald Green was one of the sincerest, warmest, and kindest people I have ever known. He had a unique way of making people feel valued and genuinely cared for. He will be fondly remembered by the students and colleagues whose lives he touched during his twenty-five years at HCC.
Mary Davis
July 10, 2015
Don, I will miss your presence on Planet Earth...your gentleness...your smile. Working with you in Social Sciences,those many years ago, was a pleasure. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
David Rossi
July 10, 2015
Dr. Green, you touched my heart and mind. You were an inspiration to me and many others. You were always a gentleman and a calm presence. Your kindness, smile, composed and relaxed demeanor, sense of humor, and encouragement and support will be greatly missed. May we all find peace in the memories we have of you. May your family find peace in their memories and the knowledge that you touched so many lives. Rest in peace, Dr. Green.
Mary Jackson
July 10, 2015
I really do not have words to express the sadness I feel right now. Dr. Green was a mentor and always met me with a smile and kind words of encouragement as a student at HCC and as a faculty member when I became an instructor. Thank you Dr. Green you certainly made an impact on my life, you will always be remembered. RIP
July 10, 2015
I only knew Donald for a few years as members of the Houston Bonsai Society. He was a sweet and gentle man and will be missed by all. Rest in peace.
Vern Maddox
July 10, 2015
Dr. Donald Green was a wonderful colleague to all of us, particularly to those of us who experienced his wisdom, consensus building, calm, and problem-solving capabilities. Don was a tremendous scholar and mentor. I will remember him as a true gentleman, always immaculately dressed, and so impressive, in general. My sincere condolences to the Green family.
Dr. Genevieve Stevens, HCC Psychology
Chaundra Smith
July 10, 2015
Dr. Green was a well spoken, pleasant, and gentle soul. He always had encouraging words and a infectious smile. You will definitely be missed, Dr. Green!
Doug Rowlett
July 10, 2015
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Don's passing. He was a great colleague and a source of inspiration for all of us, and he will be truly missed. I still use quotes from him in my lectures! Go with God, my friend.
Dolores Plaisted
July 10, 2015
Donald was always--always--generous, thoughtful and upbeat. He was eager to share, to help, and to take on the hard jobs. He is indeed missed.
Deborah Hardwick
July 10, 2015
Don was a shining light at Houston Community College. I never heard a negative word from him, nor a complaint. He was the perfect gentleman, and gentle man, in all that he did.
Don, you left us too soon, but you will never really leave as long as our memories of you remain.
Mark Bynum
July 10, 2015
I met Don and Diane at the 2005 Bonsai Convention in Ft. Worth, TX. I have looked forward to seeing them every year since at the annual Texas Bonsai Conventions because of their warm friendly greetings and dedication to bonsai. I will very much miss Don at the next bonsai seminar. My condolences to Diane and the rest of the family.
Carol Laman
July 9, 2015
My years at HCC were so much richer because of Donald's ever present smile, optimistic attitude, and encouraging words. He will not be forgotten by the countless grateful students, colleagues, and friends who have been touched by his kindness.
Irv Lichtman
July 9, 2015
You will be missed tremendously. To the family you are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. He was great colleague and friend. He was an asset to Houston Community College and was a great support for me.
Michael McCluskey
July 9, 2015
I never knew a kinder person than Donald. He was easy to talk to and he was a real gentleman. He will be greatly missed. After knowing his wife and daughter, I wish them the very best.
Eileen Mello
July 9, 2015
I am so sad to hear of Don's passing. I'll always remember the advice he gave to me about my students and how he always supported me. What a great loss! My thoughts are with his family.
July 9, 2015
Donald, my friend you will be missed. No one ever know the lunches we shared and places we went and the hours we spent working your trees. It's hard to say goodbye. My prayers will be with you.
Buddy Allen, Missouri City,Texas
Nan Jenkins
July 9, 2015
I am saddened at the loss of Don. I knew him through the world of bonsai. His laughter and strong presence will be miss by all of us in the Lone Star Bonsai Federation. My prayers are with his family.
Bob Morecook
July 9, 2015
You were a good guy, Don. You did not deserve to go so soon.
Bob Morecook
Ken Credeur
July 9, 2015
I will miss Donald, he and I had great fun kidding each other about our hats, and which one was the best.
Steven Hendricks
July 9, 2015
A kind and gentle soul. His quiet dignity will be missed.
Larry & Judy Gockley
July 9, 2015
Our prayers are with the family and friends of Donald. He, and his friendly smile, will be greatly missed.
John Miller
July 9, 2015
A huge loss to the world and to bonsai. May our prayers help sustain and comfort you in this sad time.
Reisa Rogovein
July 9, 2015
Don, I will always remember your kindness, your support, your humor, and your love of cats! A dear friend is never truly gone as long as he is remembered. Rest in peace. You will never be forgotten. Reisa Rogovein, HCCS - English Faculty
Deborah Hardwick
July 9, 2015
Don was one of the gentlest, kindest people I knew at HCC. His warm smile and quick hug could brighten any day. He showed patience, courtesy, and a wicked sense of humor. We'll miss you, Don.
Marie Brady
July 9, 2015
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Hurley Johnson
July 9, 2015
Our prayers are with the family and friends of Donald. He has meant so much to so many of us. He has been a mentor, a teacher and most of all a friend. His patience and passion are attributes that we all strive for. He has taught much to many. Being his friend is an honor.