Obituary of Harry A. Green, III

Obituary Harry Albert “Sonny” Green, III was born on May 8, 1942 at Dr. McGuire’s Maternity Ward in Paulsboro, New Jersey. Harry was affectionately called “Sonny” by his family. He was the eldest child born to Harry A. Green, Jr. and Martha Landis Green. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Joseph “Joey” Brooks and his son, Curtis Victor. Harry was baptized at an early age at Second Baptist Church in Paulsboro, NJ. He graduated from Paulsboro High School. Promptly after graduation from high school, he enlisted in the army, where he received commendations as a rifle and carbine sharpshooter. Harry was honorably discharged on June 3, 1963. Harry was a dreamer’s dreamer. Upon his return from the army, he was briefly employed at Dow Chemical. He worked numerous jobs (11 in one year). He quickly realized that he wanted to “be his own boss”. He found his niche as a commissioned insurance agent at United Insurance Company. It was at United that Harry developed his skills as an outstanding salesman. It wasn’t long before he was promoted to assistant manager. Harry and his team gained national recognition for consistently exceeding sales goals. After five years, Harry ventured out on his own, starting Galaxy Insurance in Camden. The company soon evolved into the Galaxy Insurance and Real Estate Company. Eventually he began to invest in rental properties. Though he had many entrepreneurial endeavors, real estate was his primary focus. Harry answered the call to Christ at Antioch Baptist Church, Camden, NJ, where he faithfully served for about 23 years. It was also at ABC that Sonny met and married his wife, Phyllis, whom he affectionately called “Is” (“because she IS everything to me”). The couple were married on November 30, 1991. Harry never failed to tell anyone who would listen how much he loved Phyllis, and how she made him a better man. Harry was no “pew warmer”. He devoted many hours to serving the Lord. He had a passion for street ministry, nursing home ministry, and feeding the hungry. He wanted everyone to know Jesus, and he loved helping people. He was “not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ.” Harry was adamant about living in Cherry Hill. He was thoroughly convinced that the Cherry Hill school system offered the best education for his family. So of course, Harry and Phyllis made their home in Cherry Hill. Together they raised four of Phyllis’ seven grandchildren, following the untimely death of her daughter, Toni. They also were the caregivers for four great-grandsons. In 2011 Harry and Phyllis, after much prayer, changed their church membership and joined Impacting Your World Christian Center in Cherry Hill; where he was an active member until his health failed. Harry was one who evoked strong emotions. He was a spirited, feisty man! He was very outspoken and had no problem telling you exactly what he thought, like it or not! Beneath his frenetic exterior was a compassionate and caring soul. Harry loved his family. He was unconventional in his parenting style. For example, he performed late night raids to ensure household chores were complete. Harry was a loving father who undoubtedly wanted the best for his children and grandchildren. He always stressed education as the surest path to success. He took immense pride in the achievements of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family. And those achievements are no small part of the legacy that he leaves behind. Through the years, Harry was his family’s loudest cheerleader when it came to their sporting events. He rarely ever missed an event – from soccer, to baseball, to football and finally to basketball. Not only was he the loudest cheerleader, he encouraged the other parents to do the same. He often required a nudge from the officials to “tone it down”, sometimes at the threat of expulsion. Harry also loved watching his Philadelphia teams (Eagles, Flyers, Phillies and the Sixers). Harry loved people and laughter. To love Harry was to know Harry. He will be remembered for his gumption, humor, vibrancy and spunk. He may be absent from the body, but his soul is present with the Lord. His greatest loves were his faith, his family and Camden. He leaves to celebrate his life his beloved wife, Phyllis. Siblings: Yvonne “Sissy” Murry of Lindenwold, NJ and David L. Green of NJ. Daughters: Shannon Green, of Lincoln, CA. and Crystal Taylor (Nate) of Wyncote, PA. Sons: Dr. Gregory Victor of Atlanta, GA., Dr. Harry A. Green, IV (Regina) of Cherry Hill. NJ., and Richard Green, Esq. (Clara) of Cherry Hill, NJ. Grandsons: Anthony, Claron (Remy), Curtis, Derek, Harry, Jackson, Jake, Louis, Max, Rashaan (Marlene), and Warren. Granddaughters: Aisha, Isabella, Lillian, Sienna (Rae), and Zakia. Great-grandsons: Diallo, Kanye, Jamone, and Rashaad. Nieces: Heidi Brooks, LaShonna Hackley-O’Neal, Wendi Lester, Yvette R Murry, and Sabrina (Green) Wilks, and a host of other relatives and friends. He will be sorely missed by many. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a gift to Sonny's outreach ministry, Seeds of Hope. https://www.seedsofhopeministries.org/