Nelson Wayne Green

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Nelson “Wayne” Green, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, who left us on February 14, 2026, at the age of 79. Born on July 23, 1946, in Deridder, LA, Wayne lived a life dedicated to pouring into youth through teaching and coaching the only sport that was: Basketball; serving through his church during VBS, Sunday School, especially with the widows; the ministry of Camp Pearl, his farm and his family. He earned his bachelor’s degree at McNeese State University and spent many fulfilling years as a schoolteacher, coach, and ending his career as the Adaptive PE coach of Beauregard Parish. He was also a full-time cattleman and farmer, growing the BEST and BIGGEST watermelons in these parts! He also was a gifted singer with a bass voice that was recognized even when he was a teenager in high school where Mrs. Mabel Rathburn took his quartet to many competitions. He also was a member of The Sanctuary Quartet where he entertained many while sharing his deep faith and love of Jesus. He was a vital member of Dry Creek Bible Church where he held many positions through the years, such as Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, Deacon, Board Member and Chairman of the Board.

Wayne grew up in Dry Creek, Louisiana as the baby of ten siblings, he was certainly a momma’s boy. During high school he was a beast on the basketball court which earned him a full scholarship to USL. As a momma’s boy after a year of playing ball, he moved back to Dry Creek and finished his degree at McNeese State. In 1966, he married his high school sweetheart, Leola, after winning her strict parents over with his charm. After graduating from McNeese, his first teaching and head boys’ basketball coaching job was at Starks High School. After two years there, he continued his teaching and coaching career at Reeves High School, where he took the Lady Raiders all the way to win state runner-up title, which to this day, he would inform you they should have won. Ten years later, he took a job at East Beauregard High School, where he continued teaching and coaching until he became the Beauregard Parish Adaptive PE teacher. Every student he encountered throughout his career was impacted either spiritually or with life lessons, and they probably still know the eight parts of speech! In the summers he pursued encouraging youth with being involved in camp ministries, beginning at the Dry Creek Baptist Encampment. Then through some intense convincing by Bro. Seth Baggett, he moved his summer ministry to Camp Pearl. He served in maintenance, heading up the cattle/beef program, canteen, counselor, lifeguard, ending his 54 years of volunteering with the last 20 or so being full-time in the kitchen, where he was famous for cooking breakfast every morning and hamburgers on Friday nights.

He was faithful man of extraordinary character who loved the home he built in Dry Creek with his adoring wife. He was extremely hard-working, and he and Leola worked extra jobs and scrimped and saved to build their dream home on land he grew up on – doing much of the work themselves along with several of his “adopted daughters Peggy Perkins and Cheri Francois Derouen” and children – many hours of hard work and stain spills and laughter! He was a dedicated provider, and he made sure if Leola even glanced at something or said something was pretty, she acquired it. He especially loved helping her make her dream yard, which everyone said was better than Hodges Gardens. He planned ahead for every holiday and celebration, employing the help of his children to make it all happen, especially in the last few years when he was so sick. He never forgot a birthday or anniversary of any of us. He was excessively giving – even when he did not have enough. He was so tender-hearted, kind and caring; he helped whoever needed it every time. His heart was extremely big, and he lovingly raised and taught his three children to love Jesus. He did not tell you about Jesus – He showed you Jesus. His children saw him reading his Bible, praying, serving and witnessing to every person he met. He was faithful to his friends and because of his consistent witness, many lives were changed by people turning to Christ and living for Him. He was an extra father and brother to many, walking more than just his two daughters down the aisle. He also was a GREEN! He was stubborn, strict and determined. Most people’s favorite things about him were his storytelling, humor, picking, and his laugh. He simply was the world’s best storyteller. We were always marveled after so many years with him; there were always new stories. His best source for stories was his favorite cousin, Donna Marie Wilson!

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Leola Johnson Green and their three children: Kimball Green (Julie), Tammy Burchard (Sam), and Stacy Smith (Kent). His legacy continues through his grandchildren whom he adored: Petra (Little Rock) Green, Jessie (Palamino Filly) Burchard Edwards, Victoria (Princess) Williams, Sophie (Soapie Mae) Burchard, Brodie (Pumpkin) Burchard, Kamden (Little Man) Smith, Sadie (Shady Lady) Smith Stevens, and Kallie (Dumplin’)Smith, as well as his great-grandchildren: Addison (Little Boss) Edwards, Truitt (Tonto) Edwards, Maverick (Slick) Edwards, Charles and Kenzlie Burchard. His brother, Donald Lee Green, and his nephew (brother by choice) Douglas McWhirter.

Preceded in death by his parents Nelson Green and Janie Wilson Green; His siblings Conrad Green, Nolan Green, Jay Green, Sabra Strother, Helen McWhirter, Barbara Powell, Marinel Seaman, Carolyn Gray; Two grandchildren Hannah Kate Burchard and Samuel Elijah Burchard. Visitations and the service will be held at Camp Pearl in the Ethel Green Chapel on Wednesday, February 17, 2026, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. A second public viewing will take place on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 10:00 AM, leading to a funeral service that will begin at 11:00 AM. Following the service, he will be laid to rest in Dry Creek Cemetery. Officiating the service will be Don Barrett, Curt Iles, and Sam Burchard.

His pallbearers will include Bryan Derouen, Kent Smith, Adam Edwards, Brodie Burchard, Harry Bankester, Kamden Smith, and Chris Greene, alongside honorary pallbearers Kent Andrews, Tim Reeves, LD Spears, Leonard Johnson and Horace Hebert.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Dry Creek Bible Church or Camp Pearl Ministries to provide scholarships to children to attend camp and hear about his precious Savior.

Nelson Wayne Green leaves behind a rich legacy of love, compassion, and dedication to service to Christ, which will continue to inspire those who follow in his footsteps. He will be deeply missed but forever cherished in the hearts of his family and friends.