Billy Ray Greenwood

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Service Schedule
Celebration of Life
Fellowship Bible Church
Little Rock, AR  
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
2:00 P.M.
Memorial Contributions
Bill Greenwood Legacy Basketball Scholarship at UALR
2801 S. University Avenue
Little Rock, AR  72204
Billy Ray Greenwood

of Little Rock, AR

January 13, 1937 - May 12, 2017

Billy Ray Greenwood, 80, of Little Rock and Hot Springs, Arkansas went to his heavenly home Friday, May 12, 2017.

Bill never met a stranger and was known for his larger-than-life presence. His stature, charm, and humor lit up the room when he entered. He was a motivator and confidence builder, as his love for people was evident. He had endless energy which was demonstrated in his love for work and play.

Bill was born on January 13, 1937 and raised in Crossett, AR by parents, Pete and Idella Greenwood. After attending Arkansas Tech University and Arkansas State Teachers College (UCA), Bill started his career at Dyke Bros. Industries and advanced to Vice-President and Board Director in the 23 years he worked for the company. He became a residential builder (G & S Builders) and felt like his calling was putting first-time home buyers into new homes. He has left his professional legacy in developing Greenwood Acres, a starter home subdivision in southwest Little Rock.

As an avid fan of the UALR Trojan Basketball teams, Bill served on the UALR Athletic Advisory board. He was a generous supporter of the University's Construction Management and Athletic Programs.

In 1997, Bill met his future bride, Sandra Robertson. They married in 2000, enjoying 20 years of travel, horse racing and great times with family and friends on Lake Hamilton. Sandra was his bride and best friend.

Bill loved fishing in the early morning, beautifying the yard, building anything and taking anyone who was ready on the boat. Teaching countless numbers of kids to waterski over the years, he loved seeing a child learn to ski for the first time. His kids and their friends knew they had to do the chores before the boat started up to ski. He was known for his many ''projects'', i.e., building a boat dock, sodding the yard, cutting firewood, etc. His children are thankful for the strong work ethic this produced in them.

Nicknamed ''Mayor of the Jockey Club'', Bill was a regular at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, where he developed many long-lasting friendships. Many of these friends relied on his famous tip sheets for picking thoroughbred winners.

Proud is not a strong enough word to express how he felt about his children and his grandchildren. He would beam as he bragged on their every accomplishment to anyone who would listen.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra Robertson Greenwood, and children: Charlotte Moix (Greg) of Conway, AR; Greg Greenwood (Tammy) of Denver, CO; Gayle Clark (Taylor) of Austin, TX; Scott Greenwood (Jane) of Little Rock, AR; Doug Greenwood (Kelli) of Little Rock; stepson, JD Robertson (Audrey) of Dallas, TX, and 12 grandchildren.

For 23 years, Leah Ballard was his business manager, sounding board and trusted apprentice at G&S Builders. Leah was an extension of his success in business, in addition to becoming an extension of his family.

A celebration of Bill's life will be held on Wednesday, May 17th, 2pm at Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to be sent to the Bill Greenwood Legacy Basketball Scholarship at UALR, 2801 S Univ., Little Rock, AR 72204.



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13 Condolence(s)
Reginald Rogers
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, May 19, 2017

Charlotte, Greg, Scott, Doug, Gayle and the Grandchildren: Your father and grandfather was a true guide and role model for his family because all of you are great examples of caring and loving Christians. Charlotte, I remember you from CYO/Search/Band days in high school. I enjoyed watching Brittany and Sam play basketball for Mount St. Mary's and Catholic High. Mr. Greenwood was always supportive of his grandchildren. May he rest in the Peace of Christ ! Reg Rogers Catholic High Class of 1977

Marilyn Brodie Archer
De Queen, AR
Liked
Wednesday, May 17, 2017

Sandra, Marilou and I were saddened to learn of the death of your huband. May God's strength and peace be with you in these difficult days.

Judy & Michael Mattingly
Hot Springs,
Liked
Wednesday, May 17, 2017

A man that will be missed. We live next door to Bill and his son Greg in Hot Springs for 24 years. First met him through a man that worked with him At Dyke Brothers. We just got back from a year trip and as I sit on my covered porch I miss seeing Bill already. He loved the lake and the home he made there. Like Judy and I he taught many a child how to ski on the lake. He was always working in the yard and talking to his cat taking off fishing and going full blast in his boat. Always a smile on his fase bill knew how to have fun. Last time I talked to him I asked when he was going to retire and the look on his face told the story. He loved building and putting first home buyers in a home.

For the kids I will tell you this they don't make them like your dad. The mold has been broken. I met Greg since then and he is not far from the mold as I'm sure the rest of the family follow close behind.

Sandra you met a man that stood by you thick and thin. You were well loved. He talked of you often. He will be missed

I pray for you and Greg and the family. As we all know Bill is in his home chosen just for him and preparing new homes for the rest of us who will join him sooner than later. Our time on earth as we know it is temporary. Bill lived the life God had chosen for him and did it with full gusto.

As time goes by We will continue to sit on this porch over looking the lake and every time We sit out here I'm sure Bill will enter our
minds. He's a man you will never forget.

Mary Kay east
Little rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Oh Sandra,, jim & I were so shocked to read the paper this morning . He was such a good man & father figure. I'm so very sorry that we won't be able to attend his funeral. Please know that you & your family are in our thoughts & prayers & May this bring you comfort. All our love, Mary Kay & jim

Kevin and Valerie Blaes
Columbia, SC
Liked
Tuesday, May 16, 2017

To the Greenwood Clan,

I have fond memories of Billy Ray, especially the times we went to the lake house. I remember learning to ski with the trustworthy Billy Ray at the helm of the boat, coaching a youth how to get up and stay up on skis. He will be greatly missed by all.

Debbie Wirth
Phoenix,
Liked
Tuesday, May 16, 2017

Dear Sandra & family---So deeply sorry to hear about Bill. We truly loved him and to Eugene he was like a Dad. His wonderful advice got him through a lot in life! We will miss him dearly. Lots of prayers for you & your family during this very difficult transition. It's good to know Bill is in Heaven looking over all his family & friends...
Love, Debbie & Eugene Wirth

HARRIET WATKINS
LITTLE ROCK, AR
Liked
Monday, May 15, 2017

To the Greenwood family,

My heartfelt condolences are extended to you Sandra and your family. Although I did not have the fortune to know this extraordinary man Billy Ray, especially since we attend Fellowship church, please know that my thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.

Most sincerely,

Harriet Watkins, (University of Arkansas eVersity)

John and Andrea Bergquist
Austin,
Liked
Monday, May 15, 2017

Greenie, we are truly sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Please accept our most sincere condolences and may our prayers help comfort you and your family. We love you guys.

Elisabeth Sherwin
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, May 15, 2017

To Sandra and the family -- Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your husband and father. I have no words to mitigate the pain, though I hope the respect and love all have expressed for him brings comfort. At the end of the day it is the memories that we leave behind that serves as a testament to a life well lived.

--Lisa


Tommy Owen
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, May 15, 2017

Billy Ray was a legend and loved by all who knew him! All of his children share his same infectious personality and are a reflection of how great he was! He will be missed but never forgotten. Prayers for your comfort and peace in this tough time.
Tom Owen, III

Jennifer Blanscet
Little Rock,
Liked
Sunday, May 14, 2017

Our family is sorry for your loss. We will be praying for God to give all of you peace, strength and comfort in knowing that he is with our Heavenly Father. Love you all!!

Vicky Sanders Morris
Benton,
Liked
Sunday, May 14, 2017

Bill was one of the kindest people I have ever met, fondly telling stories of his kids and grandkids that he simply adored. He will be greatly missed.

Ann and Jim Bain
Little Rock,
Liked
Sunday, May 14, 2017

Sandra- prayers, thoughts, and love to you during this sad time.