Billy Jack Green (1933 - 2011)

Born 11 Jun 1933 in Hamilton, Marion, Alabama, United States

Ancestors

Descendants

Died 18 Feb 2011 at age 77 in Camarillo, Ventura, California, United States

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Biography

Bill J. Green, 77, of Camarillo, Calif., passed away Feb. 18, 2011, after a long struggle with prostate cancer. Bill was surrounded by his loving family and friends. Bill led a truly exceptional life, and will be remembered for his keen intellect, business accomplishments, athletic achievements and especially his kindness and enduring love for his family and friends. Bill touched many lives and will be greatly missed.

Bill was born June 11, 1933, in Hamilton, Ala. The family moved north to Adrian, Mich., in 1943. Bill attended high school in Adrian, and along with friend Rollo Garrison, were among the best tennis doubles partners in the state. Bill attended both Adrian College and Michigan State University. He graduated from Michigan State in 1957 with a BA in pre-law. Bill also competed in varsity men’s tennis at both Adrian and Michigan State, and football at Michigan State.

Bill served two years in the Army, and took up residence in Van Nuys, Calif., in 1958. He met his wife there, Margaret Furtaw. They had four children, spending the next 17 years raising their family in the San Fernando Valley, Calif. He often remarked to friends that his family was his greatest accomplishment and passion.

Bill worked in the aerospace and electrical connector industry for most of his working career. Highlights include serving as president for Buchanan Crimp Tools, New Jersey, from 1979-83, and as VP for Fortune 500 company Amerace, from 1983-1986. Bill purchased Pico Crimping Tools in 1986, and relocated back to California along with his family. He ran Pico successfully for the next 25 years, introducing many new, industry leading products. Bill was widely considered an industry expert, and admired for his integrity and generosity.

He had many interests, including clocks, woodworking, and collecting automobiles. Some of his prized cars included a 1940 Buick, 1972 Chevy Impala convertible and several older Mercedes coupes. Bill was also an accomplished collegiate and amateur tennis player. He won many singles and doubles titles over his career. He had the talent to play professional tennis after college, but the league was in its infancy, and wasn’t capable of supporting many full-time players.

Bill was preceded by his wife, Margaret, and son, Billy. He is survived by his son, Mark Green; daughter, Shelley Green; daughter, Susan Toth and her husband, Atilla, and their children, Mackenzie Toth, Alex and Josh Janssen; longtime companion, Claudette Michaud; sisters, Lorraine Hill and Bobbi Martin; niece, Diann Johnson; and a plethora of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Census

• 1940 - head (M) Oaklin Green (48), wife Arizona (44), daughter Lillie (21), son Ray (19), daughter Pauline (17), daughter Lorene (14), daughter Ivy (12), son Billie J. (6), daughter Bobbie (3). All born in Alabama.^[1]

Sources

1. ↑ "US Federal Census, 1940". Precinct 1, Marion, Alabama. SD 7, ED 47-3, Sheet 8B-9A, 16 Apr 1940. Household 129.

• Daily Telegram; Publication Date: 3/ Mar/ 2011; Publication Place: Adrian, Michigan, USA; URL: http://www.lenconnect.com/obituaries/x407382407/Bill-J-Green - Bill J. Green, b. 11 Jun 1933 in Hamilton AL, residing at Van Nuys California / Camarillo California, d. 18 Feb 2011. Spouse: Margaret Furtaw, Children: Shelly Green, Susan Toth, Mark Green, and Billy. Siblings: Lorrain Hill, Bobbi Martin.