Obituaries

Billy Ray Greenwood

Photo of Billy Ray Greenwood
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, Ark. 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, Ark.; Greg Greenwood (Tammy) of Denver, Colo.; Gayle Clark (Taylor) of Austin, Texas; Scott Greenwood (Jane) of Little Rock, Ark.; Doug Greenwood (Kelli) of Little Rock; stepson, JD Robertson (Audrey) of Dallas, Texas, 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, 2 p.m. 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, Ark. 72204. Online: guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

Published May 16, 2017

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