Obituaries

Michael Bryan "Coach Green" Green

Photo of Michael Bryan "Coach  Green" Green
Michael Bryan Green "Coach Green," beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to all who knew him, passed away Sunday, Aug. 31, 2014, at Mercy Hospital in Rogers, Ark. Born July 12, 1948, in Harrison, Ark., died Aug. 31, 2014, in Rogers, Ark. He was born the son of Loy "Buck" Green and Esther Dell Bryan Green of Lead Hill, Ark. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his daughter, Jennifer Green. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Beth Green; children, Missy Green Sims of Harrison, Michael Blu Green and wife Meredith of Prairie Grove, Anne Jech Alford and husband Brad of San Marino, Calif., Amy Jech Bain and husband Andrew of Prairie Grove, Mary Jech Pinkerton, and husband Michael of Lincoln. He is also survived by his sister, Berta Foresee, and her husband Raymond of Independence, Mo., and his grandchildren, Hunter Sims, Kappie and Jared Bryant and Ava, Ryan and Raka Pinkerton, Natalie and Mary Alford, Bella and Gabi Bain. He is also survived by a niece and numerous nephews. Coach Green graduated from Lead Hill High School in 1966 where he was voted best athlete, most popular and wittiest. He was MVP in the 1966 District Basketball Tournament. As a self admitted "ball hog" he held the state record of scoring 73 points in one game. After high school, Mike was awarded an AIC Scholarship to Arkansas Tech University where he lettered two years and graduated with a B.S. degree in 1974. After graduation, he began his coaching career at Harrison Jr. High school where he was the Jr. boy's head basketball coach from 1974-1978. From 1978-1982 he was the head Jr. and Sr. High boy's and girl's coach at Lead Hill, Ark. And in 1982-1983 he became a graduate assistant in basketball at Arkansas Tech University. He spent 1968-1974 in the Army Reserves. And from 1983-present he has been with the Prairie Grove School System as a girl's basketball coach, track coach, football coach, baseball coach, tennis coach, boy's basketball coach, history teacher and currently, as the Athletic Director. He was selected Coach of the Year a total of 18 times by the Arkansas Athletic Association 1974-1975, 1976-1977, 1978-1982, 1984-87,1985. He was also the KURM Dream Team Girl's Coach of the Year in 1985 and KURM Dream Team Boy's Coach of the Year from 1995-1996. Additionally, he was the 1AAA Coach of the Year from 1997-1999. He had numerous undefeated seasons, conference championships and state tournament appearances. He worked the Razorback Basketball Camps at the University of Arkansas under Coaches Sutton, Richardson, Heath, Pelphrey and Anderson. Above all, Mike Green loved life, loved his family and loved the kids at his schools. He had high expectations of his players, took a personal interest and treated them all with respect. He made an effort to have a personal interaction with each student and was gifted in dealing with kids of all ages, interests and students with special needs. In the role of Papa, Mike truly excelled. His grandchildren will be forever touched by his love, humor, quirkiness, loving care, quick wit and the effort he put into each of their lives. The parents of his grandchildren will be forever indebted to him for way he treated their children, the love he showed, and the zany competitive activities he elaborately construed to show them a truly great time. Memorials can be made to the Coach Mike Green Memorial Scholarship fund at Arvest Bank. The family would like to extend special thanks for the loving care given by the Mercy Hospital and staff of the 4th floor. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the First Methodist Church in Prairie Grove. Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2014 - 7 p.m. at the Prairie Grove High School Gymnasium. Online quest book www.luginbuel.com.

Published September 2, 2014

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