Donald William

Green

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Together, they built a life centered on family, hard work, laughter, and love.

Donald William Green, 85, of Newnan, Georgia, passed away on September 27, 2026. Don was born on March 27, 1941, and raised in Manistee, Michigan, a community that remained an important part of his life and where he and his wife, Jo Ann, raised their family. Don shared 63 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Jo Ann Green. Together, they built a life centered on family, hard work, laughter, and love. Don devoted much of his career to education as an economics and government teacher at Manistee High School. Known for his humor, unforgettable stories, and ability to connect with his students, he earned the nickname “Econ Don.” Even decades later, former students continued to remember him by that name, a lasting reminder of the impact he made both inside and outside the classroom.

Beyond teaching, Don was actively involved in the Manistee community. He served as president of the local teachers’ union and coached both the boys’ and girls’ high school tennis teams. Coaching became a family affair, as his two sons played on the boys’ team and his daughter played on the girls’ team. His dedication to education, athletics, and the people around him reflected his natural ability to lead, encourage, and bring people together. After leaving Manistee, Don continued his passion for leadership and bringing people together. During his retirement in Sun City, South Carolina, he served as president of the South Carolina Tennis Association and was actively involved in several choral groups. Later, at Wesley Woods in Newnan, Georgia, he continued making a difference by organizing a residents’ chorus, serving as president of the Assisted Living Residents Association, and advocating for his fellow residents. Wherever Don lived, he found ways to contribute, build friendships, and make his community a better place.

Above all, Don was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who consistently put others before himself. He worked hard throughout his life to provide his children with opportunities and a wonderful childhood. Some of the family’s most treasured memories are of weekends at the lake, water skiing, camping, and simply enjoying time together.

Don is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jo Ann Green; his children, Brian Green, Gaz (Gary) Green, and Julie Green; and his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Ceil Green, and his sister, Barbara Wright. 

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Known for his humor, unforgettable stories, and ability to connect with his students, he earned the nickname “Econ Don.”

A Celebration of Life honoring Don will be held on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Bridges Church in Manistee, Michigan. Family, friends, former students, and all whose lives were touched by Don are warmly invited to attend and share in remembering his life.

A private family burial will take place at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, where Don will be laid to rest in the family plot.

Don’s legacy lives on in the family he loved so deeply, the students whose lives he touched, the friendships he cherished, and the many stories and memories that will continue to bring smiles for generations to come.