Gerald Glenn Greene, as a principal for 22 years, applied the Golden Rule to administering teachers and dealing with parents.

“I tried to treat teachers and parents the way I wanted to be treated myself,” he said. That was fairly, and respectfully.

Greene was principal of Mills River Elementary for 15 years, from 1971-86. Before that, he ran another local school — East Flat Rock — for seven years starting in 1964. He appeared in the 1967 edition of Outstanding Personalities of the South, for educational distinction. He started his career in this county by teaching eighth grade in Dana School for two years.

The Boone-area native served six years as an Army medic, in the Fifties. He received a B.S. from Appalachian State University in 1958, then two years later earned his master’s there while teaching in Wilkes County. After a two-year stint in Brevard County, Fla., Greene returned to the mountains, going to Dana.

Greene showed a dry sense of humor, at times. But he often had a serious tone, such as for heart-to-heart talks with staff. “I’ve had some great teachers. I have learned from them,” he said. “We also had a very active Parent Teacher Organization. I enjoyed working with various individuals.”

Gerald Greene is described by students’ parents as very trustworthy, humble, gentle, caring, courteous and conscientious. He was a problem-solving administrator, accessible and personable communicator. “Gerald was a very understanding principal,” said Ocie Stinnett, among several who as a school parent was very impressed with his style and results. “He talked to you on your level,” Mrs. Stinnett said. “He listened, and then decided the best action to take. You knew how he was going to handle the situation.”

His wife Catherine Greene said, “He listens, at home, too. He has a great deal of patience with me. He thinks of others, more than himself.”

Greene exemplified the old adage about learning by doing, growing through experience. “As a school principal, you gotta be ready for whatever happens next,” he said. For instance, he acted fast once a young boy accidentally struck his head against a post at school. “A knot came onto his head. We took him to the doctor.” Then came what’s now a humorous memory. “He gave the boy a shot in the rear end. He couldn’t understand why he got the shot there, when he hurt his head.”

Safety and nutrition are two of his priorities, for students. He’s known to have often given them money for lunch. He’d be there to see the earliest children arrive and stay outside to see all buses safely off. “I wanted to provide the most I could, for the children,” Greene said. “Our purpose was getting them prepared for a high school education, to give each student the best basic skills. This involves an orderly school, with fair discipline. At the same time, I’d like them to enjoy what they’re doing.”

Looking back, Greene said “I am proud I was a part of what they achieved after getting through school, doing very well in their adult life.

After retiring and until recently, he and Catherine made and sold crafts for 14 years.

Gerald Greene, as much as anyone, cherishes the Hall of Fame honor. “It feels great. It’s really an honor. It makes my life complete.”