John V. Green

John V. Green COLUMBIA - Funeral service for John V. Green, 84, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 9, 2014, at Forest Lake Presbyterian, with burial in Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 8, 2014, at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel. Mr. Green died Tuesday, August 5, 2014. Born in Alexander, N.C., he was a son of the late Rufus Edgar Green and Thelma Gamble Green. He graduated from Ft. Mill High School, attended Gardner Webb College, Clemson College and graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Mr. Green also attended the University of South Carolina School of Law. His military education included Reserve Officer Candidate School (ROTC) at USC, Advanced Officer's Training Course, USAF School of Transportation, National Defense University of the Air Force, Command and General Staff College, Industrial College of Armed Forces, and National War College of the Department of Defense. Mr. Green's military service included U.S. Army Korean War Service, Deputy Commander of Resources for the 315th Military Airlift Command and Commander of the 84th Aerial Port Squadron, culminating in 30 years in the Air Force Reserve. He was awarded: Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Medal, National Defense Service Ribbon (with Bronze Star), Army Good Conduct Medal, and Korean Service Medal, SC National Guard Palmetto Cross, SC National Guard Meritorious Service Medal and SC Homeland Defense Achievement Medal. Mr. Green served as liaison to the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado. He retired as a colonel from The United States Air Force Reserve and as a major general from the South Carolina Military Department where he served as the commander of the Joint Service Detachment. Mr. Green was the president and owner of the John V. Green Realty Company, Inc. and was the current State Chair of the South Carolina Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) where he was a committee member for 16 years. He also spent much of his time volunteering within the Columbia area. His service includes: Richland County Council Vice Chairman and Chairman, Probate Judge for Richland County, Chairman for the SC Mental Health Board, advisory board member of the SC USO and Palmetto Chapter AUSA, member of the Columbia Chamber's Military Affairs Commission, various leadership posts within the American Legion, Eau Claire Masonic Lodge where he was a past Master and Jamil Shrine Temple where he was a Director of Royal Order of Jesters. He also served on the boards for the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, the SC Youth ChalleNGe Academy Foundation, the SC Military History Foundation, the Board of Governor's Columbia Town Theatre, Board of Directors for Columbia Chamber of Commerce, SC Youth Challenge Foundation Advisory Board and SC Military History Foundation Board for the South Carolina Military Museum. He most recently served as Chairman of the SC Soil and Water Conservation Commission. Mr. Green was a member of the North Trenholm Baptist Church and also attended Forest Lake Presbyterian Church. Mr. Green has been awarded the State Commendation Ribbon, State Merit Ribbon and State Honorable Service Ribbon. He was also very proud of having received the state's highest civilian honor, Order of The Palmetto. The state legislature named a state highway interchange in his honor. He leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Nora Jane Williams Green; daughters, Amanda Green-Fontaine (Ray), Janet Holland (Sam) all of Columbia; and his much beloved grandchildren, Grant Fontaine and Townes Holland; brother, Jerry L. Greene of Columbia and his family; many nieces, nephews and other extended family and the family dog, Lilly Belle. He also leaves behind many cherished friends and acquaintances. He was predeceased by his brother, Gene Greene of Ft. Mill. Memorials may be made to Forest Lake Presbyterian Church, 6500 North Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29206. Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfuneralhomedevine.com.