Billy Green

Billy Green, 67, fell asleep in the Lord on Thursday, May 5, 2016 at his home in Hewitt, Texas after a brave two-year battle with cancer. He was born April 27, 1949 in Alvin, Texas to James and Muriel (Browning) Green. At 8 years of age he was baptized into the family of Christ at the First Christian Church of Alivin, Texas. He graduated from Alvin High School in 1967 and was drafted into the army in 1969. He spent most of his military tour in Bad Kreuznach, Germany. In his downtime he traveled throughout the country, eventually meeting his future wife in Munich. On November 19, 1971 he married Brigitte Rohner in Munich, Germany. The two of them moved to the United States in July of 1972. After graduating from Texas A&M University with honors and a degree in Microbiology he moved to Paris, Texas to take a job at Campbell Soup as one of the microbiologists. While in Paris the couple completed their family with the birth of their daughter Elke in 1979. During this time Billy worked as the manager for Sesame Products (a McCormick company). Through this job the family was able to travel together frequently and spent a great deal of time in Germany as well. In 1990, Billy moved his family to Waco, Texas where he continued his career as a microbiologist for M&M Mars and from where he retired after many years of service.

Billy was a fun-loving, easy-going man who lived his life to the fullest and always found joy in making other people laugh. He enjoyed hiking, camping, and traveling in his beloved “Miss Minnie” Winnebago. During his lifetime he traveled the world, going to places like China, Mexico, Africa, Europe and all over the United States. He was an avid history buff who enjoyed time on the computer, reading and studying Texas history. His favorite pastime however, was sampling, brewing, and drinking beer, especially his delicious “Cat Hair” beer that he made himself. He loved relaxing and spending time with his family and friends. Billy and his family joined Peace Lutheran Church in the Fall of 2007. There he was an active member of the congregation and Men of Peace. He loved getting together with fellow retirees from M&M Mars and his weekly breakfast with his church buddies. In 2012 he made his first trek to Kenya through a Vision for Africa mission trip. In 2013 he went a second time to help spread the gospel message of Jesus Christ to the people in Africa. He considered these trips as two of his greatest life experiences.

He is survived by his loving wife Brigitte, his daughter Elke and son-in-law Randy Fehler and 2 grandchildren Paris Jensen and Paul Fehler of Hewitt that were the apple of his eye. He is also survived by brother James Green and wife Linda of Rosebud, sister Judith McElveen of Kemp, niece Jill Businelle, nephews Trip & Travis Green, as well as many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, and brother John Green.

A Memorial Service is planned for Sunday, May 15 at 1:30 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church, located at 9301 Panther Way, Waco, Texas.

Online condolences can be left on Grace Gardens Funeral Home website: www.gracegardensfh.com Memorial donations can be made out to Peace Lutheran Church or specified for Vision for Africa.

Celebration of Life