Mr. Ernest Lee Green

Ernest Lee Green was born on December 27, 1936 in Brownsville, Tennessee, the son of William Thomas Green and Rosie Lee Green, both preceding him in death. He grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he attended Lincoln High School and graduated in 1956. Ernest was employed with A.O. Smith as a welder for 37 years until his retirement in 1999. Ernest accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of St. Matthew C.M.E. Church until his death. Ernest believed in having fun with family and friends, he loved spending time with them. He was very outgoing and well-liked by all. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting. He coached basketball for many years. His favorite hobby was riding his Harley motorcycle with the Wolf Pack Club, where he was president of the club. He also loved watching sports and spending time with his family and beloved loyal dogs, Cookie and Kody. He was a staunch civil rights activist involved with many civil rights events. He was also a member of C.O.R.E., The Congress of Racial Equality. C.O.R.E became one of the leading activist organizations in the early years of the American civil rights movement. In the early 19605, C.O.R.E., working with other civil rights groups, launched a series of initiatives: the Freedom Rides, aimed at desegregating public facilities, the Freedom Summer voter registration project and the historic 1963 March on Washington. On September 1, 1956 Ernest was united in holy matrimony with Patricia Connor. Together they had four children, Ernest Lee Green, Jr., Terrie Ann Green, Steven Kelly Green, and Keith Thomas Green. On Friday, February 23,2018 Ernest Lee Green (Bey) at the golden age of 81, surrounded by loving family, went home to be with the Lord quietly and peacefully. Preceding him in death was his father, William Thomas Green; mother, Rosie Lee Green; brothers, Charles Green and William Henry Green (Iunebug), sister, Mary Green Johnson; brothers, Sherman Strayhorn and Willie Cleveland Strayhorn; sister, Vickie Louise Strayhorn; grandchildren, Tyler and Taylor Green; and brother-in-law, Larry Holmes. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife Patricia, Green; loving children, Ernest Lee Green, Jr. (Liz), Terrie Ann Green, Steven Kelly Green (Lillian), and Keith Thomas Green (Maritza), sisters, Catherine Allen (Alan), Peggy Holmes and Vermel Hardiman; sisters, Virgina Wiley of Cincinnati, OH and Patsy R. Cole of Cincinnati, OH; brother, Gregory Strayhorn of Detroit, MI; twelve grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews and dear close friends.

Mr. Ernest Lee Green

December 27, 1936 - February 23, 2018