Gregory Keith Green

Gregory K. (Greg) Green, age 60, is gone too soon. On October 14, 2023, at his home in Bloomington, Illinois, which he shared with his beloved and devoted wife Denise and daughter Emily, Greg succumbed to recently-diagnosed pancreatic cancer. Greg’s life revolved around his love of family and playing golf, in that order, and even as he dealt courageously with the disease that ended his life far before his time, those two things remained true. He played golf with his dad from an early age, served as a club pro after college, and continued to play well and frequently even after starting his professional life in banking and insurance. Greg eventually amassed a group of golf buddies with whom he traveled annually, playing beautiful courses all over the country and abroad for the last 17 years. Not long after joining this group of lifelong friends, Greg met the love of his life, Denise (Kelly Bianchi) Green, while they both worked at State Farm. Throughout their marriage—and never more so than when Greg’s days grew short—Denise was his lifeline and his steadfast comfort, never wavering in her care for and support of Greg.

Born in Plentywood, Montana, on September 17, 1963, to Harold David Green (originally from Bogue Chitto, Mississippi) and Ethel Faye Bradley Green (originally of Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee), Greg and his older brother, Harold Wayne Green, moved many times during their childhood with Harold’s job at Conoco. They lived “out West” and in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi before settling in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, when Greg was in grade school. His ever-present smile, quick laughter, and athletic prowess quickly won him a host of good friends, a place on the baseball team in a town and at a time when baseball was king, and eventually a welcome in any foursome at the local golf course. After graduating from Hattiesburg High School in 1982, Greg attended and graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1986 where he frequently played at the USM golf course. Following graduation and after leaving the dream job at Shady Acres that allowed him to spend all his days on a golf course, Greg pursued “real-life,” working in both the banking and insurance industries, starting in Mississippi and then accepting transfers that took him to Louisiana, Arkansas, and Illinois. Greg spent 26 years of his professional life with State Farm, most recently working as a Compliance Manager in Bloomington. As always, Greg drew a close group of friends, from his work colleagues, to his bowling buddies he saw most Wednesday nights, to his local golfing companions he saw nearly every weekend. Greg and his brother Wayne were big fans of the late Jimmy Buffet, traveling to attend live concerts accompanied by tailgate-like parties as large and rowdy as any SEC football Saturday and nearly as raucous as Mardi Gras.

Greg is survived by his wife Denise and children, Emily Bianchi, of Bloomington; Kyle and Kevin Bianchi, both of Pekin, Illinois; granddaughter, Pyper Bianchi, of Florida; his mother Faye Green of Sumrall, Mississippi; his brother Wayne (Donna) Green of Sumrall, Mississippi; nieces Sydney Green Rusovich (Colin) of Metairie, Louisiana, and Sinclaire Green Willinger (Max) of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; mother-in-law Margaret Kelly of Pekin, Illinois; sister-in-law Dawn (Jonathan) Getz of Peoria, Illinois; nephews Josh Getz of Hudson, Iowa, and Carson Getz of Peoria, Illinois; and numerous uncles, aunts and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold, and his father-in-law, David Kelly. Greg also leaves his very loyal goldendoodle, Boodles, who sat faithfully by his side through the very end. Boodles was the best dog he never knew he wanted or needed.

Greg was considered a friend by all who knew him, was described as a good listener, an amazing leader and thought partner, and a person who made positive impacts in the lives of others. Greg was passionate about life and his passing leaves a gaping void in the lives of his loved ones. Greg’s time on Earth is accurately described by his fellow Mississippian, Jimmy Buffet: “Some of it’s magic. Some of it’s tragic. But he had a good life all the way.”

To honor Greg’s memory, a Celebration of Life / open house will be held on October 25, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. at Avanti’s, 3302 East Empire, Bloomington, Illinois.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.EastLawn-Bloomington.com for the Green family.