Joseph Lee Greene, Jr.

Joseph Lee Greene Jr. (1958–2026)

Born on February 28, 1958, in Ft. Worth, Texas, to James and Laura Cates, Joe Greene Jr. was a man defined by his true grit, his Texas roots, and his zest for life. Joe passed away leaving a legacy of hard work and a deep-seated passion for flying, hunting, fishing, and the art of cooking.

A proud graduate of Lee College, Joe dedicated 37 years to Praxair Inc. Throughout his distinguished career, he was a respected leader who helped design new technology patents and was known for the genuine care and advocacy he showed for his employees.

Family was the cornerstone of Joe’s life. In 1976, from his first marriage he had his son, Jereme Raley. He later reunited with the love of his life, Sheryl Ann Sewell; they were married on October 31, 1985, in Gonzales, Louisiana, and welcomed their son, Joseph Lee Greene III. In 2015 Joe welcomed his granddaughter Sophia Ann Greene whom he loved dearly.

Later in life, Joe returned to his roots to take over the Cates Ranch where he was raised. He was deeply committed to his family’s legacy, successfully enrolling the property in the Family Land Heritage Program. In 2021, Joe and his family were honored for 150 years of continuous contribution to Texas Agriculture—a milestone that brought him immense pride.

In his final years, Joe found peace and partnership with Amy Petrivelli. They spent their days together managing the ranch’s cattle and hay, tending to their garden, and starting each morning at the dining room table over coffee, planning the day’s agenda. Joe’s life was marked by his readiness to help. He moved through his days with a quiet, kind heart, willing to put the needs of others above his own.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Sheryl Greene, and his parents, James and Laura Cates. He is survived by his two sons, Jereme Raley and Joseph Greene III, his granddaughter Sophia Greene, his life partner Amy Petrivelli, as well as a community of friends and family who will miss his kind words and his affection for doing what is right.