Kenneth Ray Green

Kenneth Ray Green Obituary

On May 23rd, 1954, the late Steven and Gerta Green (Nelson) welcomed a remarkable baby boy to the world by the name of Kenneth Ray Green. Growing up in the rural area of Columbus, Arkansas, Kenneth was nicknamed “Kenny Ray”. From early on, education and athletics were central to his life. Kenneth graduated from Saratoga High School in 1972 and went on to attend Henderson State University.

While at Henderson State University he became a charter member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He later graduated with a bachelor’s in history and Coaching Degree, also completing a master’s degree in administration. Kenneth began his teaching career in 1976 at his alma mater Saratoga High School, where he later started coaching in 1979. Over 45 years, he taught several generations of students and led many track and basketball teams to state and district championships. After retiring in 2006 from coaching, he continued his teaching career at Mineral Springs School District until his second retirement in 2021.

Off the court, Kenneth was a kind-hearted, God fearing, steadfast family man. He enjoyed spending time with his family, traveling, and watching his children and grandchildren play sports throughout the years. At an early age he joined the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. Serving as a faithful deacon, Sunday school teacher, Men’s choir member and Vacation Bible School teacher for many years. Kenneth’s unwavering faith showed in every aspect in his life, never being ashamed of how good God was.

He later met and married the love of his life, Christine Smith, in 1990 and to this union 2 beautiful girls. Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents, Steven and Gertha Green, three siblings: Joe Lewis Green, Juanita Wade, and Eldrew “Jim” Witherspoon. Kenneth leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 35 years, Christine Smith Green, Columbus, AR; his two daughters, Kenyatta Green, of Columbus, AR; Ashley (Ramal) Green, of Texarkana, AR; two grandsons, Javen Allen and Xavier Brown. Son that he inherited as his own Reverend J’Shon Scott of Hope, AR. Sister-in-law, Gala Green, of Hope, AR and Brother, Perry Cheatham, of New Burgh, New York. Also left to cherish his memory to a host of nieces and nephews, along with cousins, other relatives and friends.

Events
Visitation
Friday, December 26, 2025
1:00PM – 5:00PM
Hicks Funeral Home
407 S. Hazel Street
PO Box 548
Hope, AR 71801
Service
Saturday, December 27, 2025
11:00AM
Saratoga Gymnasium
2030 Main Street
Saratoga, Arkansas 71859
Final Resting Place
Macedonia Cemetery
Highway 73 W
Washington, AR 71852