Harry Green Jr. '52

On April 16, 1930, Harry Joyce Green, Jr. was born in San Antonio, Texas, to parents Cecilia M. and Harry J. Green, Sr. Harry grew up in Houston, Texas, and graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1948.

He entered Texas A&M in fall of 1948 where he was part of Company B. He lived in Hart Hall and ran track for A&M in the Southwest Conference. When the Korean War broke out in summer 1950, Harry left A&M and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served for four years. Upon receiving his honorable discharge in March 1955, he returned to Texas A&M to complete his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Education in 1957.

After graduation he returned to Houston where he worked as a safety engineer in waste management and as a distributor for Honda motorcycles. He became active in the Houston  A&M Club and later helped start the Southwest Houston A&M Club. Harry served as a Co-Class Agent for the Class of 1952 for many years.

Because of his visibility in Houston, Harry was the perfect candidate to be chosen by Buck Weirus as the first Field Director for the Association of Former Students, whose growth potential would require greater statewide participation among fellow former students. Equipped with a company car and persuasive speaking skills, Harry Green quickly became the one Aggie who basically knew every other Aggie in the state.

When he spoke, Harry commanded attention as he enthusiastically shared exciting news and updates on how great Texas A&M University was becoming, as it entered a new era where nonmilitary students and women entered the Aggie family. “Joining the Aggie Club and supporting A&M through endowed scholarships was one of the best ways to help our school,” he said, as he traveled up and down the highways and back roads of Texas every day.”

Harry’s life took a turn for the better in 1980 when he married his beloved wife, Nelda. Together they lived an active and rewarding life enjoying travel, the A&M community and simply being with one another. They were blessed with 37 years of joy until Nelda’s passing in October 2017.

His ability to show people what a difference they could make in the permanently endowed athletic scholarship program was one of his gifts. His name is synonymous with the Aggie Club, as he became its Executive Director in 1979. A 2012 interview in the 12^th Man Magazine noted that in 1975 there were approximately 1200 members with revenues about $275,000. By the time Harry retired in 1992, the newly renamed 12^th Man Foundation had 6,500 members and millions in revenues.

Harry preferred modesty, forever boosting his classmates and fellow Aggies for accolades rather than accepting credit, but he should be remembered as the one who broke fundraising records for Texas A&M athletics, for his graceful behind-the-scenes introduction of future friends of a lifetime, for encouraging young men and women to become their best selves, and to remember forever that Aggies always help Aggies whenever they can. He not only had access to Aggie CEOs but also knew the name of every ticket taker and custodian in the athletic facilities on campus and was greeted warmly by all. Everyone loved Harry.

Harry’s devotion to Texas A&M  never waned. Even though the past  few years were filled with health challenges, Harry’s extended family made sure he regularly attended Texas A&M sporting events which meant the world to him.

Harry was a 32nd degree Mason and very active in fundraising, first in Houston and then locally. He was dedicated to the mission of the Shriners International Children’s Hospital. He was a vital part of the College Station Noon Lions Club locally.

Together, Harry and Nelda were members of the Texas A&M Association of Former Students Endowed Century Club for their philanthropy through the years. Harry continued his service to A&M as a past-president (2012–2013) of the Sul Ross Group, who celebrate 55 years or more since graduation with an annual reunion in College Station.

Harry and Nelda were faithful members of First Presbyterian Church in Bryan. They regularly recognized newcomers and welcomed returning visitors. To be recognized, remembered, and regarded—that was the “Harry J.” way.

Visitation for Harry will be from 11am–1pm at Callaway-Jones Funeral Center in Bryan on Thursday, December 15. A guestbook is available beginning Tuesday for those wishing to sign early. Following a private burial ceremony, a memorial service will be held on Friday, December 16, 11 am at First Presbyterian Church in Bryan, with the Rev. Ted Foote presiding.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Dorothy Green Lovelace, and his beloved wife, Nelda. He is survived by niece Margaret Lovelace Brooks and husband Karl, and their children, Evan and Megan Brooks. He is also survived by Nelda’s great-niece Chelsea Jones and husband, Cody, and their son Rowen Michael Jones; and Nelda’s loving family, including nephews, Tracey Smith and Travis Smith, and great-nephews Austin Smith and Wyatt Smith, as well as a host of Aggies to whom Harry and Nelda were indeed considered extended family.

From that extended family, serving as pallbearers are Jim Peterson, Bill Carter, Steve Stevens, Arno Krebs, Arnold Hayes, Kyle Lednicky, Tom Kennerly, and Kent Caperton. Honorary pallbearers are Don Adam, John Sharp, Kyle Lewie, Bookman Peters, Dick Hickerson, James Connor Smith, Dick Witherite, Otway Denny, Ron Lueck, Bill Housman, Karl Brooks, Tim Booker, Mike Booker and all Past-Presidents of the 12^th Man Foundation.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Texas A&M Foundation, 12^th Man Foundation, the Association of Former Students or the charity of choice.

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