By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – A man with a long history of serving his community and giving back to others will leave a lasting legacy in Alabaster and Shelby County after his death on March 24, many of his friends and family members said while mourning his passing.

Bob Green, the longtime owner of Bob Green’s Alabaster Optical on U.S. 31 in Alabaster, died on March 24 after 65 years of giving back to the community he loved.

In January 2015, the city of Alabaster surprised Green by presenting him with a key to the city and a proclamation honoring his longtime involvement in the community during a standing-room-only City Council meeting.

Green’s longtime friend, Columbiana Mayor Stancil Handley, lured Green to the surprise presentation under the guise the two of them were meeting with council members to discuss back taxes owed to the city.

“I owe Stancil for this one, that’s for sure,” Green said at the time.

Today, Handley and many others are remembering the man who meant so much to the county.

“Bob was an Alabaster and a Shelby County icon. His legacy was his ability to share and help people regardless of what it was,” Handley said on March 25. He was a unique, irreplaceable individual. He left a legacy that will not go away.”

Over the past several years, Green’s health had steadily declined. By last year, he was using an oxygen machine at all times, but still made regular appearances at his business.

During his life, Green regularly showed support to the Alabaster Police Department, sponsored local youth sports teams and inspired civic leadership to generations of Alabaster’s children.

Alabaster City Council President Scott Brakefield said he has fond memories of Green from growing up in the city.

“He was an amazing guy,” Brakefield said. “It’s a big loss for our community, but at the same time we all know that he won’t be struggling with earthly conditions anymore.”

Alabaster resident and state Sen. Cam Ward echoed Brakefield’s sentiments.

“Bob Green was one of the foundations Alabaster was built upon. Everyone who met him was instantly impressed with his love and kindness,” Ward said. “He will be dearly missed.

Brakefield and Alabaster Mayor Marty Handlon said they have no doubt Green’s family members will continue the legacy he began.

“His contributions to the city started well before I even arrived here,” Handlon said. “He was a big part of the community. It’s going to be a symbol of who he was as long as that business is in Alabaster.”

“His son (William) and (wife) Dorris will do a great job of carrying on his legacy,” Brakefield said.

William Green his father had more friends than he could count.

“You can pick up the phone book and call just about any number in the city, and they’d be able to tell you a great story about him,” William Green said. “He was a great, great man.”