Joseph Elroy Green, 80, of Murray, Kentucky, died Tuesday, September 14th, at his home, surrounded by family.
He was born October 13, 1940, in Buchanan, Tennessee, to Wade and Mildred Green.
Joe was an Elder in the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ and later attended the Restored Church of Jesus Christ at Puryear, Tennessee. He served as Pastor for 26 years, Counselor to the President of the RLDS KY/TN District, financial auditor and later as treasurer for the Restored Church at Puryear, Tennessee. He formerly resided on East State Line Road, Hazel, Kentucky before moving to Murray.
Preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Martha Belle Wilson Green, his parents Wade Enloe and Mildred Mary Ellen Green, numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and grandparents (Green & Robbins) as well as his faithful border collie Molly. He is survived by daughters Martha JoAnne Fuller and husband Charles of Almo, Mary Jane Green of Murray, Jennifer Robyn Riley and husband Kevin of Farmington, granddaughter Taylor Ryan Kunkel and husband Drake and great grandchildren Oliver and Leona of Murray; sisters Kathy Green of Hanover, Pennsylvania, Carol Nigro and husband Chuck of Olathe, Kansas, brothers Michael Green and wife Lucia of Saint Charles, Missouri and Jerry Green and wife Traci of Murray, sister-in-law Sandra Wallace and husband G.W. of Little Rock, Arkansas and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Joe served as deputy sheriff under Sheriff Woodrow Rickman; served as a Deputy Clerk under Randall Patterson and County Court Clerk under Charles Hale, Tax Commissioner. He was part of Murray State University’s Public Safety Department, serving first as an officer then Director for 33+ years and has been the longest tenured of any officer and director at MSU, retiring in 1999. Joe was playfully nicknamed “Mean Joe” during his years at MSU. Throughout his career he assisted and supported many city, county, state and federal law enforcement organizations. He attended Murray State and received law enforcement training at Eastern Kentucky Law Enforcement Police Academy, University of Louisville Southern Police Academy and numerous FBI programs. He was recognized for his law enforcement service by US Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush and received several service awards throughout this career. Joe held the office of President for the Kentucky Association of University Law Enforcement Administrators, Secretary for the Fraternal Order of Police, member of Calloway County DES and served on numerous campus and community committees throughout the years. He was also a member of the New Concord High graduating class of 1959.
Joe was a man of strong faith and integrity and felt his earthly calling was to serve his Lord. He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.
No public services are scheduled at this time.
Online condolences may be left at http://www.thejhchurchillfuneralhome.com
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Humane Society of Calloway County, 607 Poplar Street, Murray, KY 42071.