Obituary for Theodore "Ted" R Greene
THE LIFE OF
THEODORE ROOSEVELT GREENE
How do you distill a lifetime of memories and experiences into a brief read? Well, just like a good Scotch,
(Ted’s favorite drink), you savor the sip. I could cover grain to glass, but when it’s all said and done, you just want a taste! There are five things to consider: age statement, type, maturation information, tasting notes (Is it
remarkable) and strength. Well consider this...
Age Statement
Theodore Roosevelt Greene, affectionately known as Speedy to some, Ted to others, but if you are really flesh of his flesh, bone of his bone, Skookie what they call him (insert laugh), lived 75 years. I’d consider that finely, aged.
Grown on the coast of Wilmington, North Carolina, to Susie Mae, he was loved and cared for fiercely by his
surrogate grandmother Annie Shavers “Muh”, mom Bernice and dad Richard Lloyd. Respected highly by his
siblings, fondly known as Clarence “Peek-A-Boo” Kea, Grushenka “Shank” (Sandra) Kea, Donnis “Yogi”, Ricky, Bam, Mark, Earlene “Lady”, (Thomas & Lonzo), James Earl “Jimmy” Greene, Annie Ruth Pryor, and Patricia (Lonnie) Davenport, and nephew David Pryor. Together, the siblings caused mayhem and got into mischief to solicit a giggle, snicker, or laugh from the older brother, Ted! On many occasions, he fled on foot to escape punishment from his parents, but he would tell you he was just honing his talents and sharpening his craft. All that practice developed into a track scholarship to the prestigious Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Always carrying that street-savvy persona, complete with a tough as nails exterior reading, “you don’t want this smoke!” Lurking just underneath was the most disarming smile that could open up doors of opportunity where none existed before. Beginning as a server at a prominent country club ended as a well-paid caddy for golf elite, his love of music and dance placed in the Disc Jockey (DJ) chair and a curiosity for speed led him to race motorcycles.
His love for the sport of boxing and Muhammed Ali got him up close and personal with pro boxers and his fearless attitude made him and entrepreneur before the term was en vogue. He created adventure and crafted a career early on with Weyerhaeuser Lumber Company and mixed chemicals for the space shuttle at John C. Stennis Space Center.
Maturation
In 1964, he caught the eye of a beautiful, Southern girl named Mildred, while playing pool at the Busy Bee, a New York bar owned by her Aunt Bessie Anthony. They were married a year later with Sondra the eldest daughter in tow! The family was expanded by the addition of four (4) girls: Cheryl, Andrea, Trulaine and Jalanda. He was the original #girldad! He was coronated King and his five princesses were the jewels in his crown! He rode his girls in his motorcycle, enjoyed shopping, trips to the beach, the museum, the park, and the zoo.
Sunday drives in the Catskill Mountains watching hang gliders and visiting friends was always
accompanied by Dunkin Donuts and Kentucky Fried Chicken. He prepared fine meals and beautiful
table scapes at home as he and his Queen enjoyed hosting friends and family while throwing epic
basement parties. When a night on the town was in order, you would have sworn that he and Mildred
were true royalty. They dressed in the finest clothes, complete with a hat to match. This was his
department because he shopped for all his girls!
Tasting Notes
Well, if you must ask, you didn’t know him. He had impeccable style, a sharp fashion sense, clean cut and
crisp. His shoes were always shined, pants crease and he always sported a close cut and shave. He was
known to give unsolicited advice to any young man committing a fashion faux pas.
Strength
A man’s strength has been defined in many ways and measured in others, the size of his muscles, or even
his endurance. Ted’s physical prowess on his 5’7” frame was not the measure of his strength; it lay in
family ties and the immeasurable size of his heart! As youth, his girls witnessed in action exactly why
their mother fell in love with Ted. A perfect stranger was holding a sign conveying his desperation for
food. He drove directly past the man, went straight home, and cooked a meal fit for a king. He packed
and delivered it directly to the stranger and shared a kind word to bring him hope for tomorrow. Before
leaving, he introduced the girls. When they returned to the car, he didn’t speak of the act of kindness
again. He knew they had gotten the lesson as well as one of humility that day. This was not an anomaly,
he cooked and cared for the elders of the community often when they couldn’t do it for themselves. At his
table or around his grill there was always room for others. Being a blessing to others yielded blessings
for him. He added to his number, 13 brothers and sisters, 8 grandchildren, 18 great grands and three great,
great-grand children. They are as follows: James Theodore (1), Alex (2); (3), Dominique (6), Angelique (3),
Brandi (5), Mary (1), Emmalea “Emi” and Ian. His grandkids were his soft spot and he reveled in the
opportunity for a phone call, a visit, or a hot plate. He shared an irreplaceable bond of love that surpassed
understanding with his two sons-in-law Michael R. Jones and Robert Pollard. He allowed a level of
vulnerability with the two of them that was rarely seen.
Dispelling the Region, Myth
This Young, Black, and Gifted man was never expected to live such a rich life, filled with so much love,
adventure and fortune. He even found love a second time around with his cherished Antoinette Hicks.
Married on July 4, 2008, they shared thirteen (13) years together before her passing in 2021. He was a loving
and dedicated stepfather to her children. Her legacy was the deep loving relationship between Ted, his
stepson Charles Hicks and stepdaughter Kesha Hicks (Shemika Sanders). He relished the time he spent with
his in-laws but none more sacred than with his sister in-law Jean Watts.
It's been a remarkable ride. Go fill your cups and drink up!
Be Easy,
Mr. Greene
THEODORE ROOSEVELT GREENE
How do you distill a lifetime of memories and experiences into a brief read? Well, just like a good Scotch,
(Ted’s favorite drink), you savor the sip. I could cover grain to glass, but when it’s all said and done, you just want a taste! There are five things to consider: age statement, type, maturation information, tasting notes (Is it
remarkable) and strength. Well consider this...
Age Statement
Theodore Roosevelt Greene, affectionately known as Speedy to some, Ted to others, but if you are really flesh of his flesh, bone of his bone, Skookie what they call him (insert laugh), lived 75 years. I’d consider that finely, aged.
Grown on the coast of Wilmington, North Carolina, to Susie Mae, he was loved and cared for fiercely by his
surrogate grandmother Annie Shavers “Muh”, mom Bernice and dad Richard Lloyd. Respected highly by his
siblings, fondly known as Clarence “Peek-A-Boo” Kea, Grushenka “Shank” (Sandra) Kea, Donnis “Yogi”, Ricky, Bam, Mark, Earlene “Lady”, (Thomas & Lonzo), James Earl “Jimmy” Greene, Annie Ruth Pryor, and Patricia (Lonnie) Davenport, and nephew David Pryor. Together, the siblings caused mayhem and got into mischief to solicit a giggle, snicker, or laugh from the older brother, Ted! On many occasions, he fled on foot to escape punishment from his parents, but he would tell you he was just honing his talents and sharpening his craft. All that practice developed into a track scholarship to the prestigious Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Always carrying that street-savvy persona, complete with a tough as nails exterior reading, “you don’t want this smoke!” Lurking just underneath was the most disarming smile that could open up doors of opportunity where none existed before. Beginning as a server at a prominent country club ended as a well-paid caddy for golf elite, his love of music and dance placed in the Disc Jockey (DJ) chair and a curiosity for speed led him to race motorcycles.
His love for the sport of boxing and Muhammed Ali got him up close and personal with pro boxers and his fearless attitude made him and entrepreneur before the term was en vogue. He created adventure and crafted a career early on with Weyerhaeuser Lumber Company and mixed chemicals for the space shuttle at John C. Stennis Space Center.
Maturation
In 1964, he caught the eye of a beautiful, Southern girl named Mildred, while playing pool at the Busy Bee, a New York bar owned by her Aunt Bessie Anthony. They were married a year later with Sondra the eldest daughter in tow! The family was expanded by the addition of four (4) girls: Cheryl, Andrea, Trulaine and Jalanda. He was the original #girldad! He was coronated King and his five princesses were the jewels in his crown! He rode his girls in his motorcycle, enjoyed shopping, trips to the beach, the museum, the park, and the zoo.
Sunday drives in the Catskill Mountains watching hang gliders and visiting friends was always
accompanied by Dunkin Donuts and Kentucky Fried Chicken. He prepared fine meals and beautiful
table scapes at home as he and his Queen enjoyed hosting friends and family while throwing epic
basement parties. When a night on the town was in order, you would have sworn that he and Mildred
were true royalty. They dressed in the finest clothes, complete with a hat to match. This was his
department because he shopped for all his girls!
Tasting Notes
Well, if you must ask, you didn’t know him. He had impeccable style, a sharp fashion sense, clean cut and
crisp. His shoes were always shined, pants crease and he always sported a close cut and shave. He was
known to give unsolicited advice to any young man committing a fashion faux pas.
Strength
A man’s strength has been defined in many ways and measured in others, the size of his muscles, or even
his endurance. Ted’s physical prowess on his 5’7” frame was not the measure of his strength; it lay in
family ties and the immeasurable size of his heart! As youth, his girls witnessed in action exactly why
their mother fell in love with Ted. A perfect stranger was holding a sign conveying his desperation for
food. He drove directly past the man, went straight home, and cooked a meal fit for a king. He packed
and delivered it directly to the stranger and shared a kind word to bring him hope for tomorrow. Before
leaving, he introduced the girls. When they returned to the car, he didn’t speak of the act of kindness
again. He knew they had gotten the lesson as well as one of humility that day. This was not an anomaly,
he cooked and cared for the elders of the community often when they couldn’t do it for themselves. At his
table or around his grill there was always room for others. Being a blessing to others yielded blessings
for him. He added to his number, 13 brothers and sisters, 8 grandchildren, 18 great grands and three great,
great-grand children. They are as follows: James Theodore (1), Alex (2); (3), Dominique (6), Angelique (3),
Brandi (5), Mary (1), Emmalea “Emi” and Ian. His grandkids were his soft spot and he reveled in the
opportunity for a phone call, a visit, or a hot plate. He shared an irreplaceable bond of love that surpassed
understanding with his two sons-in-law Michael R. Jones and Robert Pollard. He allowed a level of
vulnerability with the two of them that was rarely seen.
Dispelling the Region, Myth
This Young, Black, and Gifted man was never expected to live such a rich life, filled with so much love,
adventure and fortune. He even found love a second time around with his cherished Antoinette Hicks.
Married on July 4, 2008, they shared thirteen (13) years together before her passing in 2021. He was a loving
and dedicated stepfather to her children. Her legacy was the deep loving relationship between Ted, his
stepson Charles Hicks and stepdaughter Kesha Hicks (Shemika Sanders). He relished the time he spent with
his in-laws but none more sacred than with his sister in-law Jean Watts.
It's been a remarkable ride. Go fill your cups and drink up!
Be Easy,
Mr. Greene