Charles Robert Greene III

For 52 years, Charles served faithfully as a Methodist minister, offering steady leadership and devoted care to congregations in Texas, Delaware, and Maryland. His life reflected a quiet wisdom shaped by study, service, and a calling lived with consistency—an example that inspired many across decades of ministry.

Dr. Greene earned a B.S. degree from Texas A&M University in 1968 and a Master’s degree from Wesley Seminar of American University in Washington, D.C., later continuing graduate coursework at the Centre of Studies in Coventry, England. In the early 1970s, he served as a professor of American Studies at the University of Nagasaki, Japan, and while living in Kyushu, he worked for UNESCO. His second language was Japanese.

Charles gave generously of his time and counsel through service on numerous boards and agencies, including Volunteers of American, Houston Board of Missions, Anchor House, Casa de Amigos, the Board of Ministry for the Houston East District, Houston Northwest Council of Ministries, Sharpstown Hospital Board, Board of Directors of Twelve Oaks Hospital, Methodist Home in Waco, Houston Consular Corps Protocol Board, Happy Harbor Home in La Porte, and the Houston East District Board of Ministry in 1985. He also served on the Bishop's Advisory Board from 2001 to 2005.

Charles was a member of the Order of St. Lazarus of Canada and served as Chaplain of the Texas Chapter of the Association of Former Intelligence Officers. In 1985, President Paul Biya appointed him as Honorary Consul of the Republic of Cameroon for Texas. He served as Senior Pastor of Terrace United Methodist Church for 6 years, Senior Pastor of Gethsemane United Methodist Church for 8 years, and a Pastor of First United Methodist Church of Liberty for 4 years.

A dedicated member of the Houston Polo Club, Charles also held long-standing fraternal commitments. He was a Master Mason of the Grand Lodge of Texas, Liberty No. 48, and a member of the Royal Order of Scotland.

Charles retired form St. Matthew UMC in 2007. In retirement, he continued to serve as Pastor Emeritus at Terrace United Methodist, remaining a steady, faithful presence to the community he loved.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; daughter and her family, Mary and Nathan Gossett; son, John Marshall; granddaughters, Ellie and Grace; brother, James Greene and his wife Shannon.