Mike Anthony Green

Michael Anthony Green, of Amarillo, moved on from this life on November 20, 2024, at the age of 60. 

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at Angel Funeral Home at 2209 S. Arthur, in Amarillo, Texas, with a reception to follow at 101 E. Cottonwood at 12:30 PM.

Michael was born to Beverly Anne and James Harold Green at St. Anthony’s Hospital on July 8, 1964, the youngest boy in a family of all boys and, later, one girl. He attended Amarillo public schools and, after graduating early from Palo Duro High School in 1981, joined the Navy to pursue a career as a nuclear physicist.

Michael soon discovered that life had other plans. While aboard an aircraft carrier, Michael was diagnosed with Type I diabetes and was medically retired from the Navy at age 19.

In 1983, he married Audrey Sisneros of Amarillo, with whom he had two daughters, Crystal and Michelle. With the help of the GI Bill, Michael enrolled at West Texas State University (now West Texas A&M) and earned his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Chemistry. The family eventually moved to Colorado City, Texas, where Michael took a job as an industrial chemist for a cement plant. Michael and Audrey divorced in 1994, and then in 1997 Michael moved to Southern California, where he lived for nearly 20 years.

Michael loved Southern California and the work he continued to do as an industrial chemist, which allowed him to travel to the UK, China, and other parts of the globe. While still working as a chemist, Michael earned a law degree from the University of La Verne College of Law and Public Service in 2009. Michael was dedicated to a life of service, and it is widely posited that his legal career consisted primarily of pro bono clients. He was an avid golfer who tried not to let his illness prevent him from doing what he enjoyed. More than anything else, he loved his family and was immensely proud of his daughters and granddaughters. 

In 2017, Michael moved back to Amarillo to be closer to family. He soon began volunteering in support of the local homeless community and co-founded the non-profit Christ Church Camp for New Beginnings, working closely with his nephew Nicholas Corey of Amarillo. Ever committed to the concept of democracy, he frequently gave his time to help people register to vote. His diabetes had by then led to advanced kidney disease and heart disease, as it so often does, and he was deemed in need of a kidney transplant.

On October 8, 2019, Michael received the gift of a kidney in the Veterans Administration’s first ever kidney-swap, which allowed two families to benefit from donation at the same time. Michael received a kidney given by Sandra Guevara, whose husband, Adrian Luna, received a kidney from Michael’s sister, Angela. Michael cherished the weeks he spent recovering at the Houston Medical Center with his sister and brother-in-law, Patrick, his daughters, Crystal and Michelle, and the new “family” forged through this experience. That Adrian was a fellow Navy veteran, a native Southern Californian, and the father of five was all icing on the cake. He even forgave Adrian for preferring In-N-Out Burgers to Whataburger, the ongoing debate that led them to dub themselves “The In-N-Outs.”

Michael’s kidney remained strong, but the very next year, diabetes took his left leg at the knee. This past June he lost his other leg, and all the while, his heart struggled mightily. After a long hospitalization, he passed peacefully at home in his sleep. 

Michael is preceded in death by his mother, Beverly Anne Green. He is survived by his daughter Crystal Nelson, son-in-law Joshua, granddaughters Genevieve Presley and Mackenzie Nelson, all of Amarillo; his daughter Michelle Rivers and granddaughter Skye of Eugene, Oregon; his father, James Harold Green and stepmother, Daisey Mae Green, of Amarillo; two stepbrothers, Jimmy Evans of Decatur, Texas, and Bill Evans of Pottsboro, Texas; brothers Ron Green of Amarillo; Kevin Green of St. Petersburg, Florida; Tim Green of Dawsonville, Georgia; and Marty Green of Dallas, Texas; sister Angela Green, of Oxford, Mississippi; nephews Aaron Evans of Los Angeles, Josh Evans of Pottsboro, and Andrew Evans of Amarillo; Henry Casey of Dallas, Texas; Kyle and Jake of Dawsonville, Georgia; nieces Aspen Goforth of Pottsboro, Katie Nolan of Charlotte, North Carolina, Zarabeth Moreno of Decatur, Texas, Abril Green of Dawsonville, Georgia, Alexa Green, of St. Petersburg, Florida; Kathryn Casey of Dallas, Texas, as well as a grand-nephew, Kalyb, and grand-niece, Avery, both of Charlotte, North Carolina, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Michael was endlessly grateful for the love of his large family, who rarely left his side through his many health struggles. He was particularly grateful for the loving care and companionship of his nephew, Andrew Evans, over the last four and a half years. 

Michael loved to give back when he could, particularly to those lacking a home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to A.R.C.H. Resources of Amarillo (formerly Christ Church Camp for New Beginnings), the National Diabetes Foundation, The American Kidney Fund, Breakthrough T1D, Amarillo Housing First, or The Spread the Love Blanket and Coat Coalition.