Billy Ray Green

In Loving Memory Billy Ray Green May 1, 1938 – November 29, 2025 Billy Ray Green, 87, of Foreman, Arkansas, passed away on Saturday, November 29, 2025, in Ashdown, Arkansas, at Little River Nursing Home. Born on May 1, 1938, in Cross Roads, Arkansas, Billy Ray was the youngest of five children born to Arthur Alexander and Gracie Iona Wright Green, and their beloved only son. He grew up in the Cross Roads and King Ryder communities and attended school in Winthrop before moving to Foreman in the sixth grade. A gifted all-around athlete, he served as captain of both the football and basketball teams and also ran track. During his senior year, he was a member of the 7-B District Champion Football Team. He was Vice President of FFA and served as President of his senior class before graduating in 1957. After graduation, he received a full basketball scholarship to East Texas Baptist College in Marshall, Texas. He later enlisted in the United States Air Force with his lifelong friend, Joe Rice. He was deployed to Thailand during the Vietnam War and later served in the Air Force Reserves, earning the rank of Sergeant before his honorable discharge in 1968. Following his military service, Billy Ray worked on the construction of the Foreman cement plant before joining Shell Oil Company in West Texas. While living there, he met the love of his life, Joyce. They were married in Pecos, Texas, in 1976, and together operated service stations in Notrees, Texas, where their son, Arthur Ray, was born. In 1984, Billy Ray returned with his family to Foreman. He later worked at Red River Army Depot for 18 years, retiring in 2012. A devoted Christian, he was a lifelong member of Prince of Peace Church. In retirement, he enjoyed woodworking at the Flea Market, watching sports—especially the Razorbacks, Cowboys, Mavericks, and Astros—and reading the Bible and the works of Louis L’Amour. Billy Ray was preceded in death by his parents and his four sisters: Thelma Jo Owen, Geraldine Vann, Bama Jean Weed, and Ollie Belle Davis. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Joyce Pogue Green; his sons Arthur Ray Green and wife, Sherry, of Washington, D.C.; Charles Neeley and wife, Debby, of Midland, Texas; Stephen Neeley and wife, Pam, of Austin, Texas; and a bonus son, Chris Nester and wife, Edna, of San Antonio, Texas. He was blessed with five grandchildren—Christian Alexandria Todd-Green, Justin Neeley, Ryne Neeley, Noah Nester, and Nadia Nester—and one great-grandson, Nolan Neeley. He was dearly loved by his twelve nieces and nephews and their families, all of whom treasured their Uncle Billy Ray. Service Information Visitation Sunday, December 7, 2025 1:30–3:00 p.m. Prince of Peace Church Foreman, Arkansas Funeral Service Sunday, December 7, 2025 • 3:00 p.m. Officiated by Brad Sullivan Pallbearers • Arthur Ray Green • Chris Nester • Justin Neeley • Donte Weed • Devin Weed • Mike Weed • Chuck Davis • Tyler Davis A Life Well Lived, A Legacy Well Loved The family wishes to thank everyone for their prayers, love, and support.

Billy Ray Green

May 1, 1938 - November 29, 2025