Heather Bell
RADFORD – Officially, Joshua “Josh” Ennis Green was the custodian at McHarg Elementary School.
That title, however, barely scratched the surface of what he did for the students, families and fellow staff members at the school during his 37-year career. “Mr. Green” had the uncanny ability to remember the names of all of the thousands of students who attended McHarg School and even decades after they left the school, and graduated from Radford High School, he would still remember their names, asking how they were doing. And not just the students – he also remembered most of the parents’ names and always had a cheerful hello and conversation for them long after their children were grown.
Green, 70, of Radford, died Tuesday, July 29, 2025 after a battle with cancer. Born June 30, 1955, he was a member of First Missionary Baptist Church in New River.
One former student, Wyatt Burdette, said it well on a social media post after Green’s passing.
“Mr. Green was one of a kind,” said Burdette. “He transformed from elementary school janitor to our very own hallway superhero. That man knew how to light up every face around him.”
RCPS School Board Chair Gloria Boyd, who was a teacher at McHarg during Green’s tenure, remembers her friend as a person who embodied “heart.”
“Josh served our schools in a custodial role for many years, but really he was so much more,” she said. “He embodied commitment and heart as he walked the halls of McHarg greeting students, teachers and staff always with a smile.”
“I will remember how welcoming and helpful he was to me when I came to Radford to teach in 1999,” she continued. “If I came in early or during the summer there was a boombox in the hall playing gospel music while he was working in the classrooms. When my students were lined up waiting for lunch or bathrooms, he often walked by and teased with the students, always making them laugh. He made everyone feel special.”
“To know Josh Green was to love him,” she said. “He blessed the lives of every student, teacher, staff member and administrator who came through McHarg. He might tease, but sometimes he would correct a student behavior, always with love.
Josh was so humble in moments of honor or recognition. Mr. Green’s Way serves as a reminder. If we live our lives the way he did… what a wonderful world this would be.”
The accolades that have poured out for Green from the community all describe a humble, loving joyful man.
“Mr. Green is a legend in Radford,” said former RCPS School Board Chair and parent. “He knew every student’s name, past and present. He knew their families and their stories. He knew their dreams and their hearts. On paper, he was a custodian at our little elementary school, but in reality, he was the heart and soul of our Bobcat community.”
Radford Vice Mayor Seth Gillespie was one of those thousands of students who attended McHarg during the Mr. Green years.
“Radford lost another treasure,” he said. “There wasn’t a child that walked through McHarg whose name Mr. Green didn’t know. Everyone loved Mr. Green and Mr. Green loved everyone. Mr. Green followed you through life and wanted to see you do big things. Always asking how my family was, and what I was up to, he cared. Radford has lost some giants in this community, but what an example they have set.”
Green’s family will receive friends 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. this Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, at First Baptist Church, 555 W. Rock Road, Radford, VA 24141. Funeral services will begin at 12:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers please contribute to Mr. Green’s Way Scholarship – Radford High School, 50 Dalton Dr., Radford, VA 24141.
