William J. (Bill) Greene, 91 of Ironton, Ohio, passed away Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010, at the Jo-Lin Health Center in Ironton.  The Russell, Ky., native was born Nov. 2, 1918, a son of the late Russell A. Greene and Maude L. Blake Greene.
In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Mary Lou Howell Greene; his brothers, Charles and Jack; and his sisters, Norma Gray and Edna Mae Murnahan.  
He is survived by son, William M. (Mike) Greene of Phoenix, Ariz.; son and daughter-in-law, Samuel J. (Sam) and Mary Margaret Wentz Greene of Cleveland, Tenn.; daughter, Elizabeth A. Triplett of Scottsdale, Ariz.; 10 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
Bill and his wife-to-be were both 1937 graduates of Ironton High School.  Bill and Mary Lou were married June 6, 1941.  Bill served in the Pacific Theater during World War II after completing his basic training with the Army at Fort Robinson in Little Rock, Ark.  Bill was part of the occupational forces in Japan after the war. His service was with the 27th Army division as a Master Sergeant.  Bill completed a machinist-training program with INCO, and went on to work with Henrites, Jeffrey Whit, Kinder Company, Kyova Pipe, retiring from Ashland Oil as head of their machine shop.  
Bill’s interests were as a craftsman and racing.  He built and raced cars throughout his life, building racecars for his children and grandchildren.  He always maintained a home wood and machine shop, completing many projects for his family and others.  Bill helped many local racers with their cars and boats.  Bill loved innovation and always was one of the first to buy or try some new product or idea.  Bill also was active in serving his community, participating in the Cold War Civil Defense Corps, environmental improvement efforts, and other civic activities.  Bill was a member of the First Baptist Church of Ironton, and a member of the National Rifle Association
Bill’s funeral services will be conducted at Tracy Brammer Funeral Home. Calling hours are today from 6 until 9 p.m. at the funeral home.  Funeral services will be held Monday at 11 a.m. with Pastor Dennis Strawn officiating at the Tracy Brammer Funeral Home followed by burial in Woodland Cemetery with military graveside rites by VFW Post 8850.
To offer condolences to the family please visit www.tracybrammerfh.com.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Community Hospice and/or First Baptist Church of Ironton.