David William "Bill" Green

Bill was a man of God whose Christian faith guided his daily life. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, he was a man who could do just about anything. He could make music, fix what was broken, and find a way through a problem. He was generous, hardworking, creative, and determined, with a stubborn streak his family knew well. He loved Jesus, his family, and America.

Throughout his life, Bill put his musical and technical talents to work serving churches. He sang for special services, played in praise and worship bands, ran sound, helped with production, and recorded sermons so they could be shared with others. Whether leading a song or working behind the scenes, he used his gifts to support worship and share his faith.

Music became part of Bill’s life when he began taking piano lessons at age seven. He was a natural, with a gift for picking up new instruments quickly and playing them well. As a teenager, he formed a band with friends, an experience that deepened his love of music and helped set the course for his life’s work. Football and music both held an important place in those years. Even as he excelled on the football field, he continued playing in bands and teaching himself different instruments throughout high school and college.

Bill was an All-State center and a member of the Sonora Broncos’ 1966 and 1968 Texas state championship teams. In the 1968 state championship game against Poth, he kicked a 33-yard field goal that helped secure Sonora’s 9–0 victory. He went on to play football at Texas Tech University and Sul Ross State University, graduating from Sul Ross with a degree in physical education and a minor in history, subjects he loved. When injuries ended his football career, he devoted himself to music professionally.

Over more than five decades, Bill built a career as a country singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, studio owner, and recording engineer. He toured and recorded with many artists and led his own band, Bill Green and the Texas Greats, performing for country music audiences across the United States and internationally. His own recordings reached Billboard’s country singles chart, including #1 in San Antonio for 6 straight weeks. His work also extended into artist booking and management, concert production, and staging, helping artists build their careers both onstage and in the studio. His contributions reached from artists making their first recordings to some of country music’s most recognized names.

Family remained central to Bill’s life. He stepped away from regular touring to spend more time at home and started a booking agency that grew into BGM Network. Together, he and his wife, Debbie, worked side by side every day for 46 years, expanding the business to include artist booking and management, recording and music production, concert production and staging, publishing, and promotion. Bill brought his musical, technical, and production talents, while Debbie led promotion through Debbie Green Promotions. Their partnership helped artists build careers, create records, and reach audiences, supporting regional and national success. BGM’s work included BGM Records, the publishing companies Bill Green Music and Casa Verde Music, and the music delivery services CD Tex and Agape Songs.

Bill’s dedication to music extended to advocating for the industry itself. As president of the San Antonio Chapter of the Texas Music Association and a member of its state board, he worked with Governor Mark White and fellow music leaders to help establish the Texas Music Commission in 1985. That effort helped lay the groundwork for today’s Texas Music Office, giving the state’s musicians and music businesses a stronger voice and lasting support. His work helped secure recognition of Texas music as both a cultural treasure and an industry deserving investment and opportunity.

After many years of raising their family and building their business in San Antonio, Bill and Debbie returned to the family farm in Eldorado in October 2024. His studio there, The Chicken House, was a place where his professional work and his family’s love of music came together.

Being “Papaw” to Nathan, Noah, and Dolly was one of his most cherished roles. His grandchildren will remember his encouragement, rides around the farm on the Gator, time at the lake, and music shared in The Chicken House.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Billy and Camille Green, and Gloria and Jean Burleson.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie Green; his children, Cassie Woodliff, Jerrad Green and wife Machel, and Tyler Green and wife Dina; his grandchildren, Nathan Woodliff, Noah Green, and Dolly Green; his brother, Tom Green and wife Heidi; his sister, Angela Crittendon and husband Arthur; and extended family and friends.

Bill’s life was grounded in faith and filled with music, hard work, adventure, family, friendship, and laughter. His family will carry with them his songs, his stories, his example of Christian service, and the everyday memories of a man who could do so much and meant so much to them.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at Brushy Top Cowboy Church in Eldorado, Texas.