William Allen “Bubba” Greene, 74, formerly of Andover, passed away on Thursday (September 15, 2022) at Jones Memorial Hospital in Wellsville.
Bill was born on December 19, 1947 in North Hornell to E. Carlton and Martha L. (Nuzum) Greene. He was a 1966 graduate of Andover Central School. Bill served in the United States Army from 1967 to 1971 at the Army Security Agency in Okinawa, Japan as a high security teletype interceptor. While home on leave he met Sheila K. Skillman of Wellsville. Bill quickly fell in love and they were married on August 29, 1970 at the Christian Temple in Wellsville.
Bill was a heavy equipment operator for the Village of Andover from 1972 through 1975 and for the Town of Andover from 1975 until his retirement in 2003.
In addition to the love of his life of 52 years, Bill is survived by a son, William Franklin Greene of Andover; a daughter, Stacey Brenna (Erik) Taylor of Valparaiso, Ind.; two brothers, Edward (Susan) Greene of Midlothian, Va. and James (Jane) Greene of Derry, N.H.; five grandsons, Cody Alan Greene, Hunter William Greene, Noah Joseph Greene and Wryder James Greene, all of Andover and Dewyn Lee Taylor of Valparaiso, Ind.; and several nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and cousins.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Martha Boyer in 2015.
Bill was a life long community volunteer. He joined the Andover Volunteer Fire Department in 1976 and over the course of time held every position within the department including Chief and President. In 1994, he co-chaired the Southwestern Association of Volunteer Firemen Convention with Davey Wallace. In 1995 he served as President of the Allegany County Firemen’s Association, the Allegany County Fire Chiefs Association and the Fire Advisory Board. He also served on the Allegany County Public Safety Committee and the Allegany County Fire Radio Committee.
Bill was a proud American. In addition to his service in the Army, he was a 40-year member of the Andover American Legion Lynch-Burgett Post #397 where he served in every position including Commander. He was instrumental in researching the name and grave location of every Andover veteran, ensuring their grave was marked with a military bronze plaque. Bill was the key person involve in the building of the Military Memorial Wall at the Andover Central School. He also was the emcee for the Andover 4th of July Parade for many years.
Additionally, Bill was a historian at heart. He served as the Assistant Historian for the Andover Volunteer Fire Department, an assistant with the Allegany County Historical Society and the Andover Historical Society. He also wrote a book on the Andover Civil War veterans.
Bill loved music, especially Country, Oldies and his brother’s band, The Rogues. He enjoyed stock car racing, the Buffalo Bills, golfing and camping.
Bill was a big man with an even bigger heart. His friends called him Bubba. His grandchildren called him Poppy or Gramp. He loved spending time with his wife and family, attending the various sporting events, plane watching together, go-cart racing, and telling stories. He was the king of jokes and he loved to laugh.
Visitation will be on Monday from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the Baker-Swan Funeral Home in Andover. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. at the Andover First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Christian Mattison officiating. The funeral procession will be escorted by the Patriot Guard to Valley Brook Cemetery where full military honors will be rendered by the combined Andover and Wellsville American Legion and the United States Army. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
Memorial contributions in Bill’s name may be made to Andover Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 714, Andover, NY 14806. © 2022 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
