Harry Eugene Greene Jr.

Mr. Harry Eugene Greene, Jr., 77, of Kannapolis went to be with the Lord on Monday, June 6, 2022, at Atrium Health Cabarrus following years of declining health and 3 months serious illness. Harry was born November 1, 1944 in Cabarrus County the son of Harry E. Greene, Sr. and the late Janice Lyerly Greene Keever. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Gerry Christopher (Chris) Greene and grandparents Gerry Jacob Lyerly and Addie H. Lyerly who was a very special part of Harry's life. Harry resided in Florida for 35 years and his best times in Florida were spent with his children and his friends. His life love was field trialing his bird dogs on horseback in the piney woods of Florida, especially in Punta Gorda, FL at the Cecil B. Webb field trial grounds. He devoted all of his leisure time to breeding and raising his English Pointer dogs and Tennessee Walking horses himself. After returning to North Carolina, some of Harry's best times were spent at N. Ocean Drive Beach, SC where he and his beloved, Brenda, loved to Shag dance to his favorite Beach Music. He and Brenda also spent many days hiking in the mountains of North Carolina and enjoying the outdoors. He was a lifelong fitness enthusiast and enjoyed golfing all his adult life until his health declined. In Harry's later years, he spent most of his time, visiting with friends and caring for his two beloved constant companions, his rescued dogs, Alfie and Honey, who he loved very much. His early education was completed at A.L. Brown High School in Kannapolis, where he was a legendary sports figure and earned All-State, All-Conference, All-Region in multiple sports and was granted a full college scholarship. Harry graduated from Wingate University in 1966 where he excelled in sports and was inducted into the Wingate University Sports Hall of Fame in 2003. He was voted All-Conference; All-Region in 1965 and 1966; First team NICAA All American 1966; NICAA World Series all-tournament team 1966. He also graduated from Florida State University in 1969 where he played two seasons. His master's graduate work was completed at Florida Atlantic University. After residing in Florida for 35 years he retired in 1995 from the Florida Parole Commission in 1995. Prior to the governor's appointment to the position above he served as the Administrative Director of the Florida Dept of Health and Rehabilitative Services. He was also a member of the governor's council on crime and delinquencies. Upon his return to North Carolina in 1995 he served as an analyst with the North Carolina Bureau of Prisons and retired in 2008 after serving almost 13 years. Harry is a member of Bethpage Methodist Church where he and his grandmother attended. He is survived by his Life Partner of 25 years, Brenda Staley Speck; three daughters, Melissa Busey Kaminski, husband Drew of Melbourne, FL; Blake Greene ller, husband Aubrey of Newton, GA; Janice Devon Greene of Tallahassee, FL; and seven grandchildren, Kyle, Conner, Garrett and Delaney Kaminski; Patrick and Garrett Greene (Harry's daughter Blake married a Greene); and Parker Raulerson. Remembrances may be sent to the family online at www.ladysfuneralhome.com. Lady's Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the family of Mr. Greene.