William Green

July 18, 2011

TRAVERSE CITY — William M. Green, 91, of Traverse City, died July 18, 2011, at home.Bill was born July 14, 1920, on Cass Street in Traverse City, to William and Myrtle Green. He lived many years in Redford and Brighton before returning home to Traverse City in 1981 with his wife, Carol Brandt, whom he married in December 1978.Bill was known and loved for his many years of portraying of Santa Claus. He thoroughly enjoyed making the faces of children light up and was always willing to be Santa for different charities. He and Carol took pride in their realistic Mr. and Mrs. Claus appearance and taught future Santas to play the jolly ole fellow.Bill loved traveling, golfing, fishing, and spending time with Carol, the love of his life.Bill was a member of the Wolverine Masonic Lodge, the Shrine and the Scottish Rite. He served in the United States Army during World War II and was in the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of Rhineland in the Central Europe campaign.In addition to his wife, Bill is survived by his son, Larry V. (Jenny) Green, of Texas; daughters, Nancy A. (Jim) Whyte, of Traverse City, and Diane J. (Jim) Maloney, of Livonia; stepdaughters, Michelle C. Bersine, of Flint, and Bradley S. Styers, of Traverse City, 11 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.Preceding him in death were his parents; five brothers, Evern, Charlie, Leo, Orville, and Gerald; and great-grandson, William Lawson.Visitation for Bill will take place Thursday July 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.Bill's funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, July 22, at Central United Methodist Church, with Pastor Chris Lane officiating.Memorial contributions may be directed to the Women's Resource Center of Traverse City.Please view William's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home.