Roy Edward Green

Roy Edward Green, of Paragould, passed away on October 16, 2023 at the age of 80. Roy was born March 14, 1943. He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Shall Green and father, Raymond; brothers, Alan and Robert; sister, Patricia; and two children, Hans and Julia. He began working at age eight harvesting blueberries in Muskegon, Michigan. This was a memory he cherished. He was a graduate of Muskegon Catholic Central in 1961. Throughout his life, he continued to support the school due to his heartfelt belief of the values he learned as a student.

Roy received a B.A. from Central Michigan University in 1965. After receiving a graduate assistantship, he earned the Master of Fine Arts from the University of Hawaii in 1968. While in Hawaii, Roy worked with the touring company known as “Honolulu Theatre for Youth”. The theatre was annually played to over ninety thousand people throughout the state. Roy designed scenery that was specifically designed to be easily transported by boats to all the islands of Hawaii. Roy wanted theater to be available to all by providing the art so they could develop a true appreciation.

During his residence in Hawaii, Roy was hired to design and build the set for Chad McGarrett’s office (starring Jack Lord) for the TV series “Hawaii Five -O”. Roy also designed sets for numerous celebrities: Stacy Keach, Vincent Price, Ferrante and Teicher, Count Basie, Cloris Leachman, Al Russo, and Peter Paul and Mary during his career.

In addition to the theatre profession, Roy spent many years in the Des Moines area where he was in private business. He was the scenic designer for one of the oldest and most successful community theatres in the United States - the Des Moines Community Playhouse. The Des Moines Register reviewed all opening night performances of The Playhouse. The following words were just some of the critics’ remarks from the performances: superb, expert, genius, brilliant, attention to detail, and as always, “another famous Roy Green set”. While working in this capacity, he travelled annually to New York and other major cities to study new technologies in the world of theatre. Roy had the unique gift of taking an insignificant object and remaking it into something of significant value. Roy designed lighting and constructed scenery for over two-hundred concerts, musicals, plays, ballets, and dance performances.

He moved to Paragould Arkansas in 1990. For many years, he contributed to various community projects, which included designing sceneries for the Greene County Tech Veterans Day Programs. He served on the Greene Co. Courthouse Preservation Society where he provided invaluable recommendations in the restoration project. You may have seen copies of the watercolor painting he did of the Historic Courthouse around town that were sold to raise money for the restoration! His love for the theatre is most evident in the Collins Theatre. He donated his time and talent in the design and construction of the dressing rooms, stage extensions, and various other improvements. He also designed and built the Performing Arts Academy. For many years, Roy worked as the Project Manager of Allen Engineering from where he later retired. He built and remodeled many structures in the Paragould area.

Roy loved playing golf, card games, watercolors, bee-keeping, hunting, fishing, shooting pool, football, baseball, the NY Times crossword puzzle, but especially restoring old houses and landmarks. He had a passion for travel and fine-dining. He especially loved a great steak and a burger.

He leaves behind three siblings, Shirley, David and Matthew; six children, Anne, Pauline, Heidi, Heather, Ricky, and Emerald; step-mother, Patricia, eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

His next step in his life is to behold the Master designer and Creator, the One who gave Roy his gift to bring joy to so many.

His family will receive friends on Friday, October 27, 2023 from 5-7 PM at Heath Funeral Home. His ashes will be spread privately.

Brick purchases or donations can be made for the benefit of the Paragould Historic Courthouse through the Chamber of Commerce.