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Sam Greenlee
1930 - 2014
Sam Greenlee
1930 - 2014
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1930
DIED
2014
Sam Greenlee Obituary
Greenlee was best known for his 1969 novel "The Spook Who Sat by the Door," later adapted into a political drama movie. Close friend and cast member in the movie, Pemon Rami, says Greenlee died early Monday.
Greenlee was one of the first African Americans to join the U.S. foreign service. From 1957-1965, he worked for the U.S. Information Agency, serving in Iraq, Pakistan, Indonesia and Greece.
"The Spook Who Sat by the Door" tells the story of a black CIA agent who becomes a revolutionary training young Chicago blacks for a violent rebellion. His other works include "Baghdad Blues," in which he describes witnessing the 1958 revolution that brought down Iraq's British-backed monarchy.
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Copyright © 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
63 Entries
Donnell Jackson
May 31, 2020
THANKS. You made me think. RIP
Lena Williams
February 1, 2015
Such a great talent. Rip.
How you can show support
Sharon Yvonne Worrill
January 1, 2015
It was a memorable experience being your ZULU Dancer in South Side Blues. I appreciate the hours of discussion and getting insight into the mind of Sam Greenlee. Rest In Paradise. Perhaps Mikonos? Until, my friend.
BETTY CEASER
June 5, 2014
NO MORE PAIN. HE IS IN GOOD HANDS NOW. HE WILL BE REMEMBERED IN HEARTS. HE WAS A NICE MAN. PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE FAMILY
June 2, 2014
Mr. Greenlee's loss is felt not only by his family, but by those who also wanted better conditions, equality and justice for all. Looking forward to the time when we will see "justice roll forth just like waters, and righteousness like a constantly flowing torrent.” Amos 5:24
May 31, 2014
May the God of all comfort uplift family and friends. John 3:16
May 31, 2014
Soon death will be no more.
May 29, 2014
May God have your spirit and thank you for helping pave the way for others
May 29, 2014
Earth has no pain that heaven cannot heal. Be still and no that I am God.
RIP Brother Greenlee
May 27, 2014
I was quite saddened to learn about the recent passing of Sam Greenlee, particularly since only last week, a friend and I were thinking of reaching out to him to suggest that he writes his memoir. He will be missed. His work will last forever. My condolences and loving wishes to his family and friends. Lorraine Harrell
May 27, 2014
May happy memories of your dear loved one bring comfort during this time of sorrow.(2Cor1:2-4)B. Meill
May 26, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. May your family find comfort and solace during this difficult time. (James 4:8)
Lee
May 26, 2014
My condolences to the family of Sam. Remember the promise at John 5:28,28
May 26, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. May your family have love & comfort during this difficult time. (James 4:8)
May 24, 2014
My deepest sympathy to Mr. Greenlee's family. May the God of all comfort strengthen you during your time of grief.
Tina
May 24, 2014
Greenlee Family,
May the God of all comfort be with you during this time till God calls Sam by name to wake him up to his paradise earth real soon.
May 24, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
May 24, 2014
My condolences to The Greenlee Family. Grief can be so hard but the love and support of family and friends help us cope. Draw close to God and he will draw close to you. James 4:8
May 24, 2014
Soon death will be no more.
The Ingram Family
May 23, 2014
We hope the words of the 121st Psalm will help you to cope with your loss. Sam will be missed by all.
Gloria Steagall
May 23, 2014
God bless this family.
May 23, 2014
With deepest sympathy to the Greenlee family.
May the Hearer of Prayer (Psalm 65:2; Psalm 83 :18) grant you the needed strength, courage and the sweetest peace during your time of grief.
Juanita, Jacksonville, Fla.
May 22, 2014
The Greenlee Family has my deepest sympathy for the loss of their loved one. Ecclesiastes 2:24 "There is nothing better for a man than eat and drink and find enjoyment in his hard work. This too, I have realized, is from the hand of the true God." He worked hard and enjoyed his life.
vickie langs
May 22, 2014
May the Hearer of Prayer be with you all. Psalms 65:2.Sending love,hugs and prayers, during this difficult time.
D. Johnson
May 22, 2014
Psalms 90:10 says: “The span of our life is 70 years, Or 80 if one is especially strong”. Mr. Greenlee was a remarkable man.
May 22, 2014
I know there are not a lot of words to make you feel better during this times.but I hope you can find some comfort in the words at Ps.34: 15,18
Becky
May 22, 2014
I'm sorry for your loss. May God grant you peace during the difficult days ahead. Soon death will be gone & everlasting life is promised at John 3:16
Ari
May 22, 2014
Words are never enough at a time like this, but know that caring thoughts are with you.
It brings us comfort to know that God is with us through every thing we go through in our lives, including when we experience sorrow. As our loving father he can read our hearts and knows our suffering more than anyone.
He uses his word, the bible to comfort us in times like this.
Jer 31:13 ".....And I will change their mourning into exultation, and I will comfort them and make them rejoice away from their grief"
May these words bring some comfort during this difficult time for your family.
My most heart felt condolences.
Wayne Sharpe
May 22, 2014
I still remember reading "The Spook Who Sat by the Door" when I was in junior high school. It opened my eyes to a whole new world. Thank you.
May 22, 2014
My sympathy goes out to the family during your time of grief. May God's loving-kindness comfort you and help you through this difficult time. (Psalm 119:50,76)
Percy Brooks
May 22, 2014
I read "The Spook the sat by the Door" in 1977 while at BGSU and thought "What If" The brother was a visionary. I'm glad that we had a chance to experience his talent.
Missy
May 22, 2014
Be comforted in knowing that God is with you during this difficult time and
that there are friends that also share your sorrow with you. I find Psalm
121 to be very comforting during these times.
May 21, 2014
Hopefully, Sam's death will cause a resurgence of interest in the motion picture, which, in today's political climate, must be viewed as a film of inconceivable bravery and daring.
Dr. Cynthia & Lawrence Broughton
May 21, 2014
We were so fortunate to talk with you after listening to great jazz at Fitzgerald's in Berwyn, Illinois last month. Thank you for allowing us to purchase a DVD of "The Spook Who Sat By the Door" which you so graciously autographed for us! You truly made a difference in this world! God bless your family!
Doreen
May 21, 2014
When it comes to black writers, one of the greatest story tellers of them all. Rest well my friend.
C. LeGree
May 21, 2014
Growing up in the 70's my father required his 5 children to read books written by or about Black people, and discuss what we had read at the dinner table each evening. Needless to say Mr. Greenlee's "The Spook Who Sat By the Door" ranked high on the list of must reads. The impact his work, and others like him, had on our family helped to empower 5 young Black children to become successful adults.
Wise King Solomon wrote "A name is better than good oil, and the day of death than the day of one's being born.” (Ecclesiastes 7:1) To the family of Mr. Greenlee take comfort in knowing that statement is true of him. He has left behind a good name and reputation through his life's course. Leaving a possitive mark on the lives of our family, and for that we are thankful and rejoice in knowing him through his writings.
SHORTY KOPPELMAN
May 21, 2014
R.I.P. Sam..The Glorious Koppelman Girls loved you..You are now with your Lord and Savior..Jesus Christ
May 21, 2014
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. Please find peace and comfort in Psalms 65:2.
May 21, 2014
Please accept my sincere condolences. I am sure there are many great memories that can and will bring a smile to your face and heart. May the Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our father who loved us give you comfort and comfort your hearts and make you firm. 2 Thess. 2: 16, 17.
Elaine Hatcher
May 21, 2014
I extend my sympathy to his family. I didn't know Mr. Greenlee but I truly enjoyed his book "The Spook Who Sat by the Door".
Tina Morgan
May 21, 2014
Please accept my condolences for Mr. GREENLEE, MAY THESE WORDS BRING COMFORT for the whole family at 1Corrinth 15:58 which says that Death will be swallow up forever. I HOPE THESE promise of GOD WILL BRING the family a hope for the future and a calm heart now TINA LOS Angeles
May 21, 2014
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to your family at this most difficult time. May your family find comfort in drawing close to God during your time of grief.
V Washington
May 21, 2014
May you find comfort in the good memories of your loved one in this difficult time. Sam will be missed but
not forgotten.
May 21, 2014
My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends . May God bring you comfort during this time of sorrow, Psalms 68:20. LD
May 21, 2014
May family and friends find strength from the fond memories and good times they shared with Mr Greenlee. Also Remember that God is love, 1 John 4:8 and He want all to draw close to Him at this time of deep sorrow. He will give you the support you need to cope with the days ahead.
May 21, 2014
To the family and friends of Sam,
May you find comfort in your memories during this difficult time and peace in prayer. (2 Cor 1:3)
May 21, 2014
Please except my deep condolences. Death of a love one is the hardest thing we can go through, because we are never prepared for it so I hope you find some comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be no more for this has been promised to us.
May 21, 2014
So sorry for the loss that you've suffered.may God's love provide the basis for your spiritual healing,for "He" will provide comfort to those seeking it."I-I MYSELF AM THE ONE THAT IS COMFORTING YOU PEOPLE.".isa.51:12.....que
Margaret Hayes
May 21, 2014
Please allow God to heal your broken heart.
Tony Thurston
May 21, 2014
My deepest sympathy to the family of Sam Greenlee. I first read his book(A Spook Who Sat By The Door)in 1969 while attending school at Federal City College, it was a most interesting book then, and continue to be now. Sam Greenlee, a Great American.
Gary L. Moody
May 21, 2014
Sam Greenlee was an excellent author. "The Spook who sat by the Door" is still one of my favorites. Condolences to the family.
JoAnn Gamble
May 21, 2014
Honor to the family of Mr. Greenlee who product much of the movie "The Spook who sat by the Door" in Gary Indiana with many of the cast member from Gary. Thank for giving our city the opportunity to shine. Our condolence and prayers to the family
Kathryn Smith-Diakite
May 20, 2014
Facebook pal love the youthful Sam Greenlee. Rememberances of the man known by Garyites. Justice loss and the struggle for equality continues.
Rosalyn Durham
May 20, 2014
Sincere condolences to the Greenlee family. The Spook Who Sat By The Door was required reading in my Afro studies program. I have shared this book with many others; it is a masterpiece.
J. W.
May 20, 2014
Sincere condolences to the Carter family, May the God of comfort be with you at this sad and difficult time, Draw close to God and He will draw close to you. James 4:8
May 20, 2014
Cherish your memories! You are opening your hand and satisfying the desire of every living thing. Psalm 145:16
T
May 20, 2014
Sincerely sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in God's word and the promises that he gives.
Ibrahim Shabaka
May 20, 2014
The movie on his book helped put my revolutionary vision into clearer focus. For that and so much more, I thank you. Rest in Power my Brother. - Bro. Ibrahim
May 20, 2014
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
becca helen
May 20, 2014
What an amazing life this man has led. My sympathy to his family and friends. This is one author that this avid reader will add to her list. Wonderful photograph, too. Godspeed, Mr. Greenlee.
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