Byron Kelly Green

Byron K. "Buck" Green, 92, died of heart failure Sunday, December 12, 2010, at the Lake Lorman home of his loving daughter and beloved son-in-law. Visitation begins at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 15, in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church Jackson, with a memorial service following at 1:00 p.m.

Mr. Green, affectionately called "Buck" by all who knew him, was born in Leakesville, MS., on July 10, 1918. After graduation from Leakesville High School, he attended Mississippi State University until WWII prompted him in January of 1942 to enlist in the United States Navy. He served in the Pacific Theatre as Yeoman 1st Class on a destroyer, the USS PURDY, and was part of the initial landing force on the island of Tarawa. He later was awarded the Bronze Star and Navy Unit Commendation Medal for "outstanding heroism" during the battle of Okinawa.

After honorable discharge from the Navy, he went to work for the Standard Oil Company, where he met and married his wife of 55 years, Martha Kennedy, of Magee, who predeceased him in 2003. In 1954, he founded Central Heating Company, which he built into one of the top five residential mechanical contractors in the Southeast, serving as its president until his retirement in 1978.

Mr. Green was a deacon and faithful member of First Baptist Jackson for over 65 years, serving on numerous committees. He was a major supporter of the Revelation Choir youth music ministry, accompanying them on mission trips in the United States and Europe. In the realm of civic activities, he was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the Order of the Jesters, and was co¬founder of the Buck & Wing Hunting Club near Port Gibson. He and his wife, Martha, were active supporters of the Jackson Symphony League. Buck Green was blessed with exceptional people skills, "never met a stranger", and his positive attitude, along with his quick and unfailing sense of humor, endeared him to adults and children of literally all ages.

In addition to his wife, Martha, he was preceded in death by his parents, Hubert Lavender and Edna Killian Green, brother Frank Green, and sister Mickey Green Brunson.

He leaves cherished loving memories to his only daughter, Beth Green Dean, son-in-law Richard M. Dean, and grandsons Morgan and Carson Dean –all of Madison; nephews Mark Green (Sherye) and Bert Green (Rhonda) of Jackson; niece Darian Gibson of Ridgeland; nephew Bill Brunson (Tricia) of Austin, TX; niece Cindy Brunson of Madison; nephew Richard Furr (Robin) of Wesson; niece Ann Tornyos (Karl) of Houston, TX; numerous great-nephews and nieces; and dedicated care¬giver Dipti Suthar of Ridgeland.

Pallbearers will be Morgan Byron Dean, Carson Kennedy Dean, Richard Kennedy Furr, Hubert Franklin Green, Jr., Hubert Franklin Green, 111, Mark Richard Green, Mark Richard Green, Jr., Lieutenant U.S. Navy, and Richard Lewis Ridgway, Jr.

Honorary Pallbearers are: Rev. Larry Black, William C. Brunson, Gray Hilsman, Charles Hood, Horace Kerr, Granville Tate, Gene Tolley, and the Explorers Sunday School Class.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Lottie Moon Christmas Offering at First Baptist Church Jackson, Hospice Ministries, or the American Heart Association.