Virgile Freddie Green

1922 - 2017

Virgle Freddie Green, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather,
brother and friend, passed away Monday, Jan. 30, 2017. He was born Feb. 10,
1922, in Paron to the late Robert and Bertha Green.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Jeanette E. Moss Green; a
son, Freddie V.'Rusty' Green; three brothers, Walter Green, James Green and Charlie Green; and two sisters, Gladys Farrell and Inez Taylor.
Virgle is survived by three daughters, Jan G. Green, Kimberlee Green Autry (Alan) and Tonya Green Morgan (Jody); a son, Bill Moss (Betty); four grandsons, Parker Green Snider (Ilaria), Trevor Cain (Elizabeth), Austin Autry and Brent Moss; four granddaughters, Heather Autry, Chloe Morgan, Lucy Morgan and Brandi Moss; a great-granddaughter, Coraline; a great-grandson, Kaden Carter; and two sisters, Goldie Reece (Loy) and Sylvia Risen.
Virgle graduated in 1941 from Paron High School. A year later he enlisted in the
U.S. Army and was stationed to the South Pacific, which included the Battle of Leyte in the Philippines by American and Philipino guerilla forces under the command of
Gen. Douglas MacArthur.
The Battle of Leyte contributed decisively to cracking of the strong Japanese defense of 'Breakneck Ridge' and paved the way for the advance of American troop toward Ormoc. The men of the 2nd Battalion, 190th Infantry Regiment, by their outstanding courage, fortitude and tactical skill wrote a stirring chapter in American military history. For his service in this area, and for other battles during the war, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with three Bronze Service Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge 1st Award, Philippine Liberation ribbon with two Bronze Service Stars, Presidential Unit Citation, World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Honorable Service Lapel Button WWII.
After his return from military service, he moved to the family farm in Paron and later
went to barber school in Little Rock. During this time he met his wife, Jean, the love
of his life, who was enrolled in beauty school as wel. They were married for 58 years
before her death in June 2010.
Although barber school didn't take place until after his military service, he already
knew how to cut hair while he was on active duty and began cutting his buddies' hair while serving overseas.
"I made a swivel chair out of apple crates on Good Enough Island and put a big bolt in the center to hold the crates in place," he once said.
On-the-job training like this made the formal instruction later on a breeze.
After starting and operating the Benton Barber Shop for 12 years, he began
purchasing numerous pieces of real estate and began a real estate business, Green
Real Estate. Virgle was a visionary. His ability to envision what others couldn't see
or understand when it came to developing subdivisions or shopping centers was an
inspiration to many. He fought tirelessly for the Salem Water Users Association
rights and at the age of 80 he led a public protest march for those rights to remain in
Saline County.
Virgle was a longtime member of Sharon Baptist Church, Benton Lions Club and the Benton Chamber of Commerce.
As passionate as he was about real estate, Virgle was never happier than when he
was at home with his family. Virgle's loyalty to his family and friends was second to
none and he lived a life of integrity that was admired by all who knew him.
A service honoring his life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, at Sharon Baptist
Church, 402 Shenandoah, Benton, AR 72019 with Pastors Don Richardson and
Michael Reese conducting.
Internment will follow at Fowler Cemetery in Paron.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017, at Ashby
Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Saline County, Methodist Family Health or Sharon Baptist Church.
Online guest book: www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
Family Comments: Virgle and his family are grateful to his wonderful caregiver, Joanna Honnebrink, and to Briarwood Nursing Home, especially his favorite nurse, Jeanette, who helped make his final days filled with love, grace and compassion.