In Memoriam: William “Bill” Green

KWOA “founding father” William “Bill” Howard Green, 81, of Mayfield, passed away at his home on Thursday, May 15, 2025.

Active in forestry, Bill was one of KWOA’s original directors. He was honored at the 2012 KWOA annual meeting at Pennyrile State Park for his leadership in the Kentucky forestry industry.

“Like us, he was passionate about managing woodlands,” says KWOA President Portia Brown.

KWOA board member Henry Duncan recalls working alongside Bill as extension agents in Western Kentucky during the 1980s and ‘90s. “He was the UK Extension Agent in Graves County,” Henry says, “and was admired by the agents and farmers as a leading spokesman for innovations in the agriculture community.”

Bill was a leader, Henry adds, in providing much-needed education and encouragement for farmers and the community during the many changes involved in the relocation of the commercial poultry enterprises into Graves County/the Purchase Area of Western Kentucky.

As a result, Henry points out, poultry is now one of the top three agricultural enterprises in Kentucky.

KWOA member Herb Loyd remembers the time Bill hosted a forestry meeting showcasing mechanical logging. “That demonstration was quite engaging,” he says.

“I didn't know Bill well, but appreciated serving with him,” Herb adds. “He was attentive, thoughtful, and shared in a supportive fashion in all our discussions,” he says. “I'm reminded that every person's death is a loss to us all.”

Bill’s full obituary is at www.byrnfuneralhome.net/obituary/william-bill-howard-green.