Former tour pro Keith Green confirmed today that his father, 14-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier Ricky Green, died on Sunday at age 69. He'd battled severe lung issues for several years and received a transplant on May 1, but developed an infection that led to his death.
He won two Bassmaster Tour events (the 1972 Rebel Invitational at Ross Barnett Reservoir in Mississippi and the 1974 Texas Invitational at Sam Rayburn Reservoir) and competed in his final Classic in 1985.
"Getting that transplant was the only chance he had to get back to doing what he liked to do, which was being in the outdoors," said longtime friend and fellow Arkansan Larry Nixon. "It was extremely risky, but he decided to do it, and I admire him for that."
Keith Green said services will likely take place later this week, but arrangements are still pending.
