Bob Greene's career touched every level of education in Forsyth County, from grade school teacher to principal of the first Career Center to president of Forsyth Technical Community College.
Greene, who had heart problems, died Thursday at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. He was 75.
He was born in Boone and graduated from Appalachian State University.
He started his career in 1957 as a teacher at Latham Elementary School. He was principal at Sherwood Forest and Jefferson junior high schools. Later, he was director of secondary education and was on the planning team for the Career Center. When the center opened in 1976, he was the first principal.
Alice Watson Greene said her husband's involvement with the Career Center was one of the highest points of his years with the school system.
"He was really proud of that achievement," she said.
Greene left the school system in 1981 to become president of Forsyth Tech.
Gary Green, the current president of FTCC (no relation to Greene), said Greene had a tremendous impact on Forsyth Tech.
"In the 14 years that he was here, the school doubled in size, with five new buildings built," Green said. "Construction began on the off-campus centers, and he worked to build the health programs into the largest in North Carolina."
He said Greene worked with county officials to get a pay supplement for employees that has enabled the school to hire and retain quality staff members.
In April, Greene received the I.E. Ready Award from the N.C. State Board of Community Colleges. The award, which is the highest one the board gives, honors people who have made a significant contribution to the community college system.
Greene was also active in community affairs. Alice Greene said her husband was very outgoing and enjoyed being involved with community organizations.
"He was a member of the Goodwill Industries board of directors and served on several other boards," she said. "He loved people and being active in the community."
A funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Sunday at Laurel Springs Baptist Church, 7504 U.S. Highway 421 South, Deep Gap. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m. at the church near Boone. Burial will be in Mount Lawn Memorial Park and Gardens.
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