Brian Joseph Green

Brian J. Green, 56, of Abilene, passed away Thursday, March 12, 2015 at Baylor Regional Medical Center in Grapevine, Texas. Visitation will be from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Rd. There will be a local celebration of Brian Green's life from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Wednesday at Celebration Hall, 2417 FM 1750. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2015 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 5410 Buffalo Gap Rd. Brian was born in Dayton, Ohio on July 21, 1958 to Robert J., Sr. and Gail Green. He grew up in Columbus, Ohio; graduated from Upper Arlington High School, and afterwards attending The Ohio State University to study aeronautics. He served in the Air National Guard for 9 years. Moving to Abilene in 1987, Brian never gave up on his Ohio roots however there was no doubt he was an Abileneian through and through. After resigning from the B1 program at Dyess Air Force Base and opening his wonderful Cypress Street Station restaurant in 1993, he became actively involved with numerous civic programs including leadership roles in the Abilene Youth Sports Authority, the Chamber of Commerce, the Hendrick Medical Center Foundation board, the Paramount Theatre board and eventually becoming President of the Convention and Visitors Bureau. In that role he was able to help bring numerous conventions and cultural activities to the city including the famous "HOG" state convention, twice. Their rides through town to Dyess were something that anyone who saw will never forget. Brian's love of the military as a member of the chamber military affairs committee was evidenced by his hosting many different Air Force groups, from Generals on down, always exchanging "coins" and stories. His professional associations were also important to him and included the Abilene and Texas Restaurant Associations and through them, working with TSTC he brought to life the culinary school currently housed in the renovated T and P warehouse in downtown Abilene. And with everything he did it was nonstop. Lynn Barnett, head of the Cultural Affairs Council said that even though he was not on the board at the council "he was a wonderful supporter of Abilene's cultural life, enthusiastically sponsoring the children’s performing arts series and opening his restaurant on Sundays following performances, as well as partnering with the Council on the Broadway in Abilene series, believing that these performances added much to the life of Abilene's cultural district." Most of the people who knew him did not know how he was able to run his business including his brewpub, the first in Abilene, and be so involved in everything else. Something most everyone did know about Brian was his commitment to helping people. It was his special gift and there are a number of recipients of his love and support, living and working in Abilene today who will never forget him. He attended Holy Family Catholic Church in Abilene. Most importantly his daughter Ryleigh was Brian's greatest gift of all. He was preceded in death by his parents. Brian is survived by his daughter, Ryleigh Ann Green; three brothers, Robert J. Green, Jr. and wife Marcy of Boca Raton, Florida, Jeffrey A. Green and wife Cathy of Atlanta, Georgia, John T. Green and wife Angie of Columbus, Ohio; his loving friend, Dr. Shelley Wayne-Bruton of Abilene; as well as numerous nieces Cara, Elyse, Jacquelin and nephews Nick, Dylan, Gabriel and Mason. He also leaves behind his beloved Cypress Street Family, including his employees, customers and friends. A Memorial Celebration of Life will be planned in Columbus. In lieu of flowers, Brian's three brothers have established an account at First Financial Bank of Abilene to benefit Brian’s daughter, Ryleigh Ann Green. Donations will be accepted at any First Financial Bank location in Abilene. This has been arranged at First Financial Bank, 400 Pine Street, Abilene, Texas 79601.