William Franklin Green, 64, of South Whitley, died unexpectedly at his home of natural causes at 6:48 p.m. Thursday, February 2, 2023.
Born on June 24, 1958, in Leighton, Pennsylvania, he was the son of Floyd R. and Norma R. (Bower) Green. Growing up in Fremont, Ohio, he graduated Fremont Ross High School in 1976. He later attended Terra State Community College.
Enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1976, he served four years of active duty receiving his honorable discharge in 1980. He then served with the reserves.
Returning to Ohio, he made his home in Bradner and began working for the Ohio Department of Transportation. He eventually became a bridge inspector for ODOT, retiring in 2002.
He met his wife at a Boy Scouts of America Woodbadge course held at Camp Berry, Findlay, Ohio. The long-distance romance culminated in marriage on May 19, 2001 to Julie Anne Walton of Pierceton, IN. The couple eventually settled in South Whitley in 2005.
Bill became a substitute teacher at the Whitko Community Schools. He also was the Whitko Archery Coach.
With over 25 years with the Boy Scouts of America, he last served on the district level with the Anthony Wayne Council, Fort Wayne. He was a life-time member of the NRA and enjoyed flint knapping (making arrowheads). Good natured, he would often bring joy and laughter to those around him.
He is survived by his loving wife, Julie; daughter, Jennifer (Nicholas) Young of Eastlake, Ohio; son, Andrew James “A.J.” Green of Fremont, Ohio; stepsons, Wesley (Christal) Snyder of Columbia City, Anthony Snyder of South Whitley, Alexander (Elizabeth) Snyder of Palmyra, Virginia; eight grandchildren; sister, Linda Swab of Loraine, Ohio; brother, David (Patty) Green of Union City, PA; and his father, Floyd Green of Loraine, Ohio.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Norma (Bower) Green.
A memorial service is 4 p.m. Saturday, February 18th at Smith & Sons Funeral Home Columbia City, Indiana. Visitation is from 2 until the service Saturday at the funeral home.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the VFW in Fremont, Ohio from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, February 25th.
Memorials are to the family.
