Mr. Joseph Paul Green

Joseph Paul Green, 81, of Salisbury passed away peacefully, Saturday, February 11, 2017. He was surrounded by his two sons Tom and Richard. Born August 16, 1935 in Rowan County, North Carolina, Joe was the son of the late Thomas D. Green and Mable Hodge Green. At age 18, he joined the US Army and served on active duty until he retired in 1974 as a Sergeant First Class (E-7). He then went to work for the Veterans Administration and retired from the VA in 2003. Joe was a decorated combat veteran having served two tours in Vietnam, he received multiple awards to include the Bronze Star with Valor Device. Wounded on both tours, Joe received two Purple Hearts and he was also awarded, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross, the Combat Infantry Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal among many others medals during his many years of service. While in country (Vietnam) Joe was assigned to a Special Forces Group as a weapons Sergeant. He also served with the 82d Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg, NC and the United States Army Europe being stationed in West Germany. Joe was a silent patriot who rarely spoke of his military service, but his contributions to the United States Military and her Veterans was truly remarkable. Joe loved his country. Joe enjoyed spending time with his large family, especially his many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. He laughed, loved and told stories. He cherished the long lasting friendships he made while serving his Country and the friendships he developed as a young boy growing up in Rowan County. He was predeceased in death in 2015 by his wife of 57 years, Anna Mair Green. Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Thomas Joseph Green and Richard Allen Green (Erin); sister Frances G. Witkowski, grandchildren, Daniel C. Green (Kathryn), Alexander Green, R. Tate Green and Sierra Braun Green, a great-grandson Silas Green and his extended family and friends. In addition to his wife, Joe was also predeceased in death by a brother William Green and a sister Margaret Green Wansley. Joe was an active member of Milford Hills United Methodist Church where he built a foundation on which to raise a family and began his spiritual journey with his Savior. His family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall at Milford Hills United Methodist Church, Salisbury, North Carolina on Tuesday February 14th, 2017 at 12:30 p.m.. Immediately following, a celebration of Joe's life will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. at Milford Hills United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Carol Williams Gilbert officiating. Joe will be laid to rest at 2:30 p.m. at Rowan Memorial Park with military honors and he will rejoin his beloved Anna.

Mr. Joseph Paul Green

August 16, 1935 - February 11, 2017