Matthew Leon Green

Matthew Leon Green, son of the late David and Nancy Green, was born on February 5, 1945, in Pickens County, South Carolina. The youngest of five children, Matthew peacefully departed this life after a long illness on Friday, November 21, 2025, and went on to take his place playing in the Heavenly Choir.
Matthew graduated from Clearview High School in Easley, SC. He continued his education at Johnson C. Smith University in North Carolina. He became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated in 1964, making him a 61 year member of the organization. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Education. After graduating, he taught briefly at J.S. Wright High School in Abbeville before moving to Atlanta, GA, where he worked for Sears.
In 1977, Matthew relocated to Chicago, IL, continuing his career with Sears. In 1981, he moved to Barbourville, KY, where he worked at Union College while living with his sister, Elizabeth Ann Harris. In 1989, he returned home to Clemson, where he remained until his passing.
A gifted musician, Matthew shared his talent with churches everywhere he lived. Music was his passion. In Kentucky, he played for Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Middlesboro. In South Carolina, he served as musician for Goldenview Baptist Church, Abel Baptist Church, New Hope Baptist Church in Liberty and several others. Though he played for many congregations, Matthew joined Goldenview Baptist Church at an early age and remained a dedicated member throughout his life.
Matthew had a wide range of interests. An avid reader, he accumulated an extensive personal library of books and magazines. He loved to travel and visited many places while working as a counselor for the Upward Bound program at Union College. His favorite way to travel was by cruise. Matthew was also a passionate collector, filling his home with meaningful pieces of African American art. He was one of the original board members of the Clemson Area African American Museum and proudly served as board president.
Matthew is survived by his brother, David Green, his brother-in-law, Ted Harrison, many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Anna Ruth Cannon, Elizabeth Ann Harris, and Gaynelle Harrison.
The family extends heartfelt thanks for the thoughts, prayers, calls, transportation, home-cooked meals, care, and concern shown to Matthew throughout his illness. Special thanks are offered to the staff of Davita Dialysis in Pendleton, the patient and compassionate team at Seneca Health and Rehab, and the kind staff of Hospice of the Foothills.
In lieu of flowers, donate to Clemson Meals on Wheels or Hospice of the Foothills.