The HAR community is deeply saddened by the August 3, 2015 passing of longtime REALTOR® Gary Dorsey Greene, age 78 of Galveston, who served as HAR president in 1973. Gary became the fourth distinguished HAR leader to pass this year. Past Presidents Conrad Bering, Jr., Lloyd Fadrique and James Glanville died earlier in 2015.
Gary was born on April 18, 1937 in Chattanooga, Tennessee to Marion Dorsey Greene and Catherine Smyre Greene. The family moved to Houston in 1953. Gary was a 1955 graduate of Lamar High School in Houston. Following graduation, he entered the U. S. Air Force where he served four years honorably. He furthered his education at the University of Houston while working as a REALTOR®.
In 1964, he founded Gary Greene REALTORS®, a business that subsequently presented him with a 50-year service award. He sold Gary Greene REALTORS® in 1974 while continuing to work in real estate. In addition to his HAR presidency, Gary served as president of the Galveston Board of REALTORS®; was a member of the Galveston Island Rotary Club, LaFitte’s Cove Home owners association and the City of Galveston Planning and Zoning Boards.
In 1994, Gary opened the Galveston office of Gary Greene Realtors and worked there until 2008 when he sold the office back to Gary Greene REALTOR® right before Hurricane Ike hit Galveston. He enjoyed fishing, especially surf fishing, and spending time on the beach with his family.
Preceded in death by his parents survivors include his wife Mandi Greene of Galveston; daughters, Kelle Soltis and husband Rick of College Station and Vicki Schmidt and husband Steven of Galveston; sons, Steve Greene of Galveston and Erik Huchzermeyer and wife Laura of Houston; grandchildren, Preston, Brandee, Kala and Philip, 5 great grandchildren; brothers, John Greene and wife Janet of Mexico and David Greene of San Leon; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Graveside services with military honors were held on August 13, 2015 at the Houston National Cemetery with Reverend Ray Pinard officiating. An online obituary is available here.
HAR extends heartfelt condolences to the Greene family at this difficult time.