William Lee "Bill" Green

William Lee "Bill" Green, 70, of Huntingdon, Tennessee passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026.

William "Bill" Green was born on December 16, 1955, in Cleveland, Tennessee. A proud patriot and dedicated mentor, Bill devoted twenty years of distinguished service to the United States Air Force, serving from December 17, 1979, until his retirement on December 31, 1999. He retired with the rank of Technical Sergeant (TSgt) and had earned a line number for promotion to Master Sergeant (MSgt), a testament to the respect he earned throughout his military career.

Following Basic Military Training, Bill attended technical training at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, where he trained as a Personnel Craftsman. Upon graduation, he received his first assignment at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana. While he excelled in personnel management, Bill soon discovered his true passion was developing future leaders.

That passion became reality when he was selected for a coveted Special Duty Assignment with Detachment 800 at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Air Force ROTC program. There, Bill found his calling-mentoring and shaping young men and women who would go on to serve as officers and leaders in the Air Force. His dedication to developing future generations of Airmen became the defining mission of his career.

After many successful years at Detachment 800, Bill continued his leadership and mentorship at Detachment 158 at the University of South Florida. He later concluded his Air Force career at Air Force ROTC Headquarters at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, where his influence extended across the nation and around the globe through programs that prepared countless future officers for military service.

Throughout his career, Bill's exceptional service was recognized with numerous awards and decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Air Force Achievement Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, and the Air Force Good Conduct Medal.

Upon retirement, Bill and his family settled in what he often described as "heaven on earth"-the Great Smoky Mountains. His love for the outdoors became a second calling. An avid hiker, Bill completed every trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park twice and was actively working on his third complete circuit of the park's trail system. His dedication earned him induction into the prestigious 900-Miler Club, recognizing hikers who have completed all maintained trails within the park.

Even in retirement, Bill remained committed to service. He worked part-time with the National Park Service and at Dollywood, where his friendly spirit, work ethic, and love for the Smoky Mountains touched countless visitors.

Whether serving his country in uniform, mentoring future Air Force leaders, or sharing his passion for the mountains he loved, Bill Green dedicated his life to making a positive difference in the lives of others. His legacy is one of service, leadership, mentorship, and an enduring love for both his nation and the natural beauty of East Tennessee.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026 at 12:00 pm at Companion Funeral Home - The Cleveland Chapel with Chaplain Ted Wilson officiating. The family will be receiving friends from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm prior to the service. A graveside service is to follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Bill or your condolences with his family at his online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com. Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland and the Cody family are honored to assist the family with these arrangements.