Billy M. Greenwood, Sr.

Born on Jan. 7, 1937, in Lockhart, Billy M. Greenwood, Sr., was truly a beautiful bundle joy to his mother, Amy Nelson. He was raised by his grandparents, Thomas and Addie Jackson in Lockhart, 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 hel

ped 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 “getting Jiggy with it!”
After college, he returned to Lockhart, where he met, was mesmerized, and knocked off of his feet by a gorgeous young lady named Bessie Mae Bright. On Jan. 12, 1960, Billy’s dreams came true when the beautiful young Bessie said, “I Do.”
Their union was 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, where he was employed for 11 years. He was later 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, he led his family, as a united family unit, to the altar, where he requested and was granted membership into First Baptist Church Family of Lockhart. 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; and 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 – 7 p.m. with family and friends in attendance. Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 12 at 1 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Lockhart with Pastor Edward Fleming officiating. Interment followed at the Hooks Cemetery in Lockhart, Texas.
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.
All arrangements were with Eeds Funeral Home, 408 S. Main Street, Lockhart, Texas 78644. (512) 398-2343.