Marcus Antonio Green, Sr.

Marcus A. Green, Sr., affectionately known as “Mark,” “Steel Bill,” and “Big Bill” to his family and friends, and lovingly called “Paw Paw” by his grandchildren, peacefully departed this life on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of unwavering faith, selfless service, unconditional love, and a lifetime devoted to encouraging others.

Marcus was born on January 16, 1963, in Greenwood, Mississippi, to Elmira Smith and Liddell McNair. At an early age, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior under the leadership of Pastor Miles in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His faith remained the cornerstone of his life and guided every decision he made.

Marcus received his education at John Marshall High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Following graduation, he proudly enlisted in the United States Army, where he honorably served his country with courage, discipline, and integrity. The values he embraced through military service continued to shape his character throughout his life.

Driven by his passion for helping others, Marcus devoted much of his professional life to serving youth and families through mental healthcare. As a dedicated youth mentor, he encouraged countless young people to believe in themselves, make positive life choices, and develop a personal relationship with God. His compassionate spirit, listening ear, and ability to meet people where they were made him a trusted mentor and father figure to many. Marcus believed that every person deserved hope, grace, and a second chance.

His ministry extended far beyond the walls of the church. In the late 1990s, Marcus was ordained as a minister under the leadership of Apostle Sam J. Jones of Highways and Hedges Outreach Ministry in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His calling was centered on reaching those who felt forgotten, sharing the love of Christ, and reminding others that no one is beyond God’s redeeming grace.

One of Marcus’s most memorable ministry accomplishments was writing and producing the inspirational stage play Cries from the Hood. The production filled Custer High School Auditorium for three consecutive nights and became a powerful ministry that impacted countless lives. With the support of his pastor, church family, and his dear friend and brother in Christ, the late Reggie White, Marcus boldly shared his testimony with hundreds of young people, inspiring many to accept Christ and pursue a brighter future. His work in ministry and outreach continues to bear fruit in the lives of those he encouraged.

Marcus never met a stranger. He welcomed everyone with warmth, kindness, and genuine conversation that made people feel instantly at ease. Whether offering words of encouragement, sharing his testimony, or simply making someone laugh, he had an extraordinary gift for connecting with people from every walk of life.

Known for his impeccable style, Marcus rarely stepped out without looking his best. His tailored suits, stylish jewelry, signature Veterans baseball cap, and confident smile became part of who he was. Wherever he went, his joyful spirit and infectious personality filled every room, making him the life of every gathering.

Outside of ministry, Marcus found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved sports, fishing, creating arts and crafts, cooking for his children and grandchildren, volunteering alongside fellow veterans, and spending meaningful time with family and friends. He especially enjoyed listening to his son, Marcus “Little,” create and record music. Karaoke was another favorite pastime, and once Marcus took the microphone, family and friends knew they were in for an unforgettable performance. He especially loved singing songs by The Isley Brothers, Luther Vandross, and Gerald Levert. Among his most treasured memories was performing “My First Love” with his oldest daughter, Natasha, affectionately known to him as “Ta” or “Tot-Magot-Missipoo”—a tradition that became a cherished family memory.

More than any title he held, Marcus treasured being a father and grandfather. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family. His grandchildren lovingly knew him as “Paw Paw,” and they could always count on him for love, guidance, laughter, encouragement, and unwavering support. His family was the center of his heart, and he considered them among God’s greatest blessings.

Marcus will be remembered for his generous heart, unwavering faith, compassionate spirit, contagious laughter, and his remarkable ability to inspire hope in others. Even while facing his own challenges, he continued to encourage those around him, reminding everyone of God’s faithfulness and unconditional love. His influence reached far beyond his family, touching countless lives through his ministry, mentorship, friendship, and example.

Marcus was preceded in death by his beloved grandmother, Annie May Green; his grandfather, Booker T. Green; his father, Liddell McNair; his stepfather, Phillip Smith (“Poppie”); his sister, Kimberly Smith; and his beloved youngest daughter, Charmaine Green (“Nanny”).

He leaves to cherish his precious memory his devoted mother, Elmira Smith; his beloved son, Marcus A. Green II; his loving daughters, Natasha Green and Charnae Smith; his sisters, Terilyn Johnson and Wendi Johnson; ten cherished grandchildren; and a host of loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, bonus children, extended family members, lifelong friends, and all those whose lives were forever changed by his kindness and love.

Marcus’s life was a testament to faith in action. He loved deeply, served faithfully, gave generously, and never lost sight of God’s purpose for his life. Though his earthly journey has ended, his legacy will continue through every life he touched, every young person he inspired, every soul he encouraged, and every family member who carries his memory forward.

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”

— 2 Timothy 4:7

Well done, good and faithful servant.

Visitation 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, with service at 1:00 PM, on Thursday, July 16, 2026 at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Interment at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, Wisconsin.

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