Virginia Garland

Bill Greene came to our 25th reunion and was a hit on the dance floor, despite his crutches and disability. I'm not sure but I think that Bill contracted polio at an early age and passed away some time between our 25th and 40th reunions. I remember his generous smile, his wit and humor, and his great attitude in face of incredible physical challenges.  

Meredith Mullen (Amyx)

Yes, Virginia, you're right--Billy Greene did have polio as a youngster.  When we were classmates in third grade at Beechwood Knoll School, he was already adept with his crutches, and by sixth grade he was practically a speed demon on them.  Young kids being both curious and candid, I asked him questions about his condition, and he answered without any apparent shyness or embarrassment.

Billy liked to show off his competency.  I remember him on the playground, joining the circle for dodge ball and whacking the ball with one crutch while balanced on the other.

He was an only child, and his mother understandably indulged him.  He brought some of his special treasures to school.  One was his 48-color box of Crayolas.  At a time when we all got the standard-issue 8-color tin box of crayons, I was the lucky person he shared them with.  We were great friends in those days.

When I went to Central, Bill went to a different junior high--I think because Central had stairs and no elevator.  Later I saw him now and then at North, and he always had a cheery smile for me.  I've thought of him so many times over the years and wondered how his life turned out.

Virginia Garland

Thanks, Meredith, for adding so much about Billy's early life.  The story about hitting the dodge ball and sharing the big box of crayolas with you is pure Billy, open, fun and so very competent.