Billy Joe Greenhouse

Billy Joe “Coach” Greenhouse was born in Vernon, TX on October 3, 1930 to Robert and Josephine Greenhouse and was the youngest of 12 siblings. He made the passage to Heaven on January 11, 2026.

Bill grew up and attended school in Vernon and Mobeetie. He was a member of the football team where he earned the nickname “The Vernon Flash.” Also known as “Mo,” he was a favorite among his peers. After high school, he attended Price College and served as a corporal with U.S. Marines in Korea from 1950 to 1951. After being honorably discharged, he completed his bachelor’s degree at West Texas State University. While there, he met Caren Myrtie Conklin, the two were married on June 12, 1953, and remained together until Caren’s passing on October 29, 2025.

Bill made an impact on the lives of many people during his time as an educator. In nine years at Bowie Junior High, his wrestlers won the city title twice. While coaching at Alamo Catholic High School, his girls’ basketball team won the state title, and he was awarded coach of the year. Coach Greenhouse finished his career in Bushland where he taught physical education, drivers' education, and health, in addition to coaching football and girls' basketball. Even after retirement, Bill volunteered at the school. The middle school football field is named in his honor: Greenhouse Field.

Bill loved helping children. He started a mowing business helping youth from broken homes and others who wanted summer work. He taught them to maintain mowers and take care of lawns. He was always helping neighbors through paper routes, mowing, and shoveling snow for the elderly. He also enjoyed camping, home improvements, and watching football.

He is survived by children Janey Morgan and husband Billy, Bill Greenhouse and wife Debbie, and Jim Greenhouse. Grandchildren include Michelle Urbanczyk and husband Craig, Amanda Shelton and husband Neil, Megan Greenhouse, and Alec Greenhouse, with great-grandchildren Addie, Jack, and Morgan Shelton and Beckham Urbanczyk.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the Ussery-Roan Texas State Veterans Home in Amarillo, BSA Hospice, LaGrone, Blackburn-Shaw Funeral Home, and Llano Cemetery for helping Bill complete his journey.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to BSA Hospice or Amarillo Veterans Affairs through CDCE at 6010 Amarillo Blvd. West, Amarillo, TX 79106; https://www.cdceportal.va.gov/donate_online/