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Billy Greenwood

Born on January 7, 1937, in Lockhart, Texas, Billy M. Greenwood, Sr., was truly a beautiful bundle joy to his mother Amy Nelson. He was raised by his grandparents Mr. and Mrs. Thomas and Addie Jackson in Lockhart, Texas, where he attended school and participated in a number of school sports. Ever the gifted athlete he was a star in baseball, basketball, and football. During his high school years he helped his football team advance to the State Championship against Arp, Texas. Unfortunately they lost that game, but they gave it a valiant effort and he looked good doing so. After graduation from high school he was awarded a college scholarship to attend Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas. However, out of dedication to his country he chose to voluntarily enlist in the Marines for two years. After his tour was completed he was discharged from the Marines with Honors in 1958. At that time he went on to attend Paul Quinn College under his scholarship, where he was a part of the football team. During his grand college days he helped lead his team to the conference playoffs against the Grambling Tigers. Unfortunately, they just happened to lose that game, but he was still the “star” and he still looked good.
During his younger days along with his love for playing sports he also, loved cars, partaking of some spirits and loved to get “Jiggy” with it!
After Paul Quinn he returned to Lockhart, Texas, where he met, was mesmerized, and knocked off of his feet by a gorgeous young lady named Bessie Mae Bright. On January 12, 1960, Billy’s dreams came true when the beautiful young Bessie said, "I Do". To this union they were blessed with three children, Rochelle, Billy Jr. and Eric. Later he was blessed to have Joshua join the family. As a young family man he started working at C. J. Martin's in Austin, Texas, where he was employed for 11 years, to help provide for his family along with his wife Bessie. He was employed with Brackenridge Hospital in the Emergency Department for 22 years. Brackenridge honored Billy Sr., in 2006 for 20 years of dedicated service. His superiors and colleagues all remarked at what humanity and compassion he showed to all who passed through the door.
Billy first came to know about that compassion and love from his grandparents (Thomas and Addie) and his mother and stepfather (Amy and Weimar) They raised him in the AME Church where he came to know and love the Lord. He began serving the church at a young age, as a "Door Keeper" to the sanctuary In 1973 as a united family unit, he led his family to the altar, where he requested and was granted membership into First Baptist Church Family of Lockhart, Texas. During his membership with First Baptist he continued to serve as a "Door Keeper" to the sanctuary greeting and serving all members and visitors who entered until he was no longer able to. He continued to be a proud member of First Baptist helping whenever and wherever he could until God called him home. Billy Sr., was a Christian and was devoted to his family, he leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 48 years, Bessie Greenwood; his children Rochelle Davis (Ernest)Billy M. Greenwood Jr., (Georgette), Eric Greenwood (Michelle) and Josh Williams (Crystal); his mother Amy Nelson; his four grandchildren Dexter Davis, Bishop Greenwood, Deja Greenwood, and Derek Davis. He was preceded in death by his grandparents -Thomas and Addie Jackson, his stepfather-Weimar Nelson, and his biological father-August Greenwood.
Billy Sr., believed in helping anybody, anytime, anyway, anyplace. He believed he was blessed and that it was his duty to tell everybody about how good God is!
A visitation was held at the Eeds Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, July 11, 2008 from 5:00 p.m. till 7:00 p.m. with family and friends in attendance. Funeral Services were held on Saturday, July 12th at 1:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Lockhart with Pastor Edward Fleming officiating. Serving as the pallbearers were: Dexter Davis, Abner Branch, Michael Vecker, Gary Williams, Matt Stubblefield, and John Henry Skaggs. The honorary pallbearers were: The Usher Board of First Baptist Church. Interment followed at the Hooks Cemetery , Lockhart, Texas. All arrangements were with Eeds Funeral Home, 408 South Main Street, Lockhart, Texas 78644. (512) 398-2343

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