Willie Leon Green
Willie Leon Green, 86, of Ruston, entered into his heavenly home on March 12, 2023, surrounded by his family and friends. Willie was born in Ruston, on March 3, 1937.
He graduated from Ruston High School, where he was a talented and dedicated player on the Bearcat basketball team. His love for his school and his classmates was such that he later became a founding member of the Ruston High School Alumni Association.
In 1959, he married Annette Hightower. Willie and Annette were blessed with two children, Candee and Gary. In 1973, they lost their son Gary in a tragic accident, which shaped the trajectory of their lives, their relationship with the Lord, and their Christian faith. For many years, Willie was a devoted firefighter for the city of Ruston, and he retired in 1995, as the Assistant Fire Chief.
After retirement, Willie spent many wonderful years riding his tractor, having coffee with friends, and spending quality time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was an ever-present source of love and support and found immense joy in watching his family members grow and thrive. Willie, who was fondly called “ Pap,” was the true patriarch of his family, and was known for his quiet demeanor and good advice.
Willie is preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Annette Hightower Green, son Gary Allen Green, mother Maude Barmore Green, father Leon Colvin Green, brothers Spencer Newton Green and Raymond Martin Green, and sister Jackie Thulin.
He is survived by his daughter, Candee Green Anderson and her husband Joe. Also left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren, Brittany Albritton (Chris), Grant Terry (Dannie Place), Garrett Terry (Carla), Meaghan Anderson, Christopher Anderson ( Danielle); great- grandchildren, Anderson, Adeline, and Griffin Albritton, Carson, Cameron, John Carter, and Caroline Terry.
In addition, Willie is survived by his girlfriend, Pricilla Bowman; his sisters, Nelda Cooper, Gail Evans, and Ann Hernandez (Keith), brother John Green (Jennifer), step-mother Doris Tatum, sisters-inlaw Angie Green and Judy Watson.
There are not enough words to express the family’s appreciation for the compassionate care and love given to him by his dear friend Val Bridges.
The family would also like to give thanks for the kind care provided by Dr. Ben Grigsby, Tina Morrow, Debra Newton, Jody Scott, and Jennifer Smith.
Serving as pallbearers are Brian Green, Larry Jones, Allen Neel, Colton Perritt, John Thompson, Bolton Warren, Emory Watson, and Keith Watson.
A celebration of Willie’s life will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at Kilpatrick Funeral Home in Ruston. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. until the time of the service.
Interment will follow in at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Ruston.
Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes. com.
