Melvin Greene, from Kinston, served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1972 to 1975. He met his future wife, Diane, in 1982 while working for a cotton mill. Together they shared 37 years of marriage and three children, Jennifer, Melvin, and Kelvin.

Melvin Greene held a variety of jobs over the course of his life in order to support the family he and Diane built. Diane left the cotton mill to work in the school system, and for three years Diane and Melvin worked together at the school.

"He was the kind of man I prayed for," Diane said of her late husband.

From his work as a custodian and a bus driver, Melvin Greene impacted many students who had contact with him. The children called Mr. Greene “The Candy Man” because he carried around sweets in his pocket to give to anyone who looked as though they could use a pick-me-up.

"He never failed any of the kids he made contact with," said Courtney Smith who was at school during his time there. "I'm 33 years old and he would still stay in touch and check in with me."

When the children had problems, Greene was someone they felt comfortable going to.

"Mr. Melvin was a caring man that was always there for the youth of Lenoir County," said Rebekah Harrison another of those impacted by Mr. Greene's life. "Our community is better that we had him here to guide and help raise so many of us."

At 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 2 the Candlelight Free Will Baptist Church will have a special service remembering his contribution to our community. As children were so important to Melvin Greene, his wife would love to see the children, and those impacted by Mr. Greene to attend the service in honor of her late husband.

"When the love of power is overcome with the power of love... it will be okay." This simple statement was Melvin Greene's favorite and defined how he lived his life.