Herb Greenlee

There are many titles one could use to describe Mr. Herb Greenlee, but he might be most proud of his status as a Science Hill alum. A 1973 graduate of Science Hill where he played football, wrestled and threw the shot put and discus for the Hilltoppers, Mr. Greenlee has impacted his community in ways that can sometimes go unnoticed. 

Carver Recreation Director, sports official, community leader, noted softball coach and bus driver are just a few more of the titles for a man whose influence has been great on the youth in Johnson City and throughout Northeast Tennessee.

Greenlee has served as the supervisor of Carver Recreation for almost 40 years, where he has dedicated himself to providing a safe and accommodating space for the youth of Johnson City.

Mr. Greenlee is also a dedicated member of the Johnson City Board of Education and has also been honored by the NAACP with the community service award and inclusion into the Johnson City Parks and Recreation Hall of Fame Class of 2006. Mr. Greenlee also had a splash pad named in his honor at the Carver Recreation Center.

His philosophy is to treat everyone the same and with respect. It was the way he was raised in the Johnson City neighborhood where he grew up and it was reinforced by Bob “Snake” Evans, his old football coach at Science Hill, and other mentors like Charles Moncrief and old Langston coach Paul Christman.

A proclamation honored Mr. Greenlee in which they said “who has distinguished himself as a professional of the greatest dedication, ability and integrity.” That same proclamation went on to read that Mr. Greenlee is an inspiration to both his colleagues and the grateful public, Herb Greenlee exemplified the spirit and allegiance to family and community that are the characteristic or a true Tennessean.

Another enduring legacy for Mr. Greenlee is the Melvin Stevens Scholarship, which was started in 1991 in honor of the former Carver Rec director who died of a massive heart attack on the basketball court.