Billy Green
Billy Green, beloved friend, brother, uncle and partner in life joined his creator on Feb. 19, 2013. Born on Feb. 27, 1950, in Little Rock, Ark., Billy was raised in North Little Rock and attended North Little Rock High School. Awarded a college scholarship, he was accepted to Hendrix College in Conway, Ark., where he excelled in the mathematics program and was eager to learn from the information technology classes, which were on the forefront of education at the time.
His beautiful voice gave light to the remarkable choir at Hendrix. Billy’s love of animals, especially dogs, was complemented by his adopted “granny” who groomed and raised poodles, giving him the opportunity to spend his summers helping and learning from the love of the beloved pets. She also was his guide to Sunday services, where he developed a lifelong love of Christ. Upon graduation, Billy proceeded to a career in information technology, which brought him to positions in Dallas, Santa Clara, Calif., and eventually Little Rock, where he became the Data Center Manager at Baptist Medical Center.
Billy’s gifts of love for others, stewardship and devotion to life were tremendous assets to the healthcare system of Baptist Health. Billy remained active in church as a choir member, pastoral counselor and confidant. After a long and rewarding career with Baptist Health, Billy was diagnosed with heart disease. For the following 14 years he endured many health hurdles, but his beautiful soul continued to shine for others.
In 1999, he and his partner in life, Steven Spain, relocated to Dallas, where he continued to enjoy many new journeys, friendships and joys. Dearest Billy, your love and spirit have taught us to live better and you will forever sing in our hearts. Billy is survived by his partner in life Steven Spain, precious pet Pierre, sisters Charley McAfee (husband Mac), Addie Gassman (husband Ronnie), Pat Scruggs (husband Danny), brother, Richard Green (wife Carol) and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews whom he loved unconditionally.
To Billy, family was treasured and second only to his creator. He found the greatest warmth in the arms and presence of his beloved mother. Although Billy had no children of his own, he found a way to be a special part of his nieces and nephews’ lives. He was an impeccable Christian role model for them with a fabulous sense of style.
Celebrations of his life will be held in Dallas at Arlington Hall on Sunday, March 10, at 2 p.m. and in North Little Rock at First United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 16, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers or gifts, Billy would love to see support or donations given to the SPCA.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition March 1, 2013.