SHANE: Homage to the Bluff

The Poplar Bluff Museum tells many unknown tales of our community. I want to tell you some of those hidden tales found within the museum walls.

Billy Green Jr. grew up in Poplar Bluff and attended the Mark Twain Elementary School. He left town for a 30-year patriotic career in service of his country. When he returned to his home town, he discovered his old school was now a museum. When Billy visited the museum, he had to share his thoughts and feelings with docent Clinton Salyer.

“I had joined the Marines in 1985,” said Billy. “I served for five years and then went to work with the Bureau of Prisons. I transferred to the Immigration and Naturalization Service, then the Department of Homeland Security. I became a law enforcement investigator and worked on special operation teams. The type of schooling, mentoring and leadership I received in Poplar Bluff as a child guided me to become successful as an adult.”

Billy grew up on Fairmont Street. He attended the Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church. He was an athlete. He learned so much from his Poplar Bluff basketball, football and track coaches, the City Parks and Recreation coaches, and the AAU track and field coaches.

“For this I am truly grateful,” stated Billy. “There are so many people that I can’t thank enough.”

His favorite portrait (from the Marine Corps) is proudly displayed in the Museum’s Hall of Heroes. After all, “Once a Marine, always a Marine.”

The museum is open free of charge and handicap accessible. It is open 1-4 p.m.Sunday at 1010 N. Main St. Tell them Mike sent you!