Grady Glenn

The gates of Heaven opened wide when Grady Arnold Glenn stepped inside on October 1, 2015. Grady passed from this life at the age of 86 surrounded in love by his bride and daughters at his side.
Grady was born May 9, 1929 at his family's farm in Roaring Springs, TX (Motley County). Grady was the 10th child, the 6th son, and the last child born to C.B. (Calvin Bert) and Allie Norvell Glenn. To his family he was known as "Bud".
Grady graduated from Roaring Springs High School in 1946, and completed Mechanical Trade School with Sperry Rand of Elmira, NY. Later in life, he attended Odessa College acquiring his Realtor license.
After high school, Grady was a life guard in Roaring Springs in 1947, then went on to work with a maintenance crew at the Pyote Airbase. He then took a transfer to work at Reese Air Base until 1955. In 1957 he began working at General Tire and Rubber Company where he worked for over 34 years. He started out as an operator trainee, moving up to head operator, with several supervisory positions. He became Production Manager in 1973 where he remained until retiring on December 31, 1991. One of his favorite expressions was "I have been here longer than some of the door knobs" To his co-workers he was known as "Big G", "Bed Check Charlie" and "Papa Bear".
During his employment at Reese, on a blind date, he met the love of his life Effie Alice Rowan. On June 28, 1953 they married at the College Avenue Baptist church in Lubbock, TX. In 1957 Grady and Alice moved to Odessa, TX along with their daughter Patti. As time went on, they expanded their family to include Kay and Risa. As a Father, he balanced teaching, discipline and lots of fun. To his girls he was known as "Best Dad Ever".
Grady has been a Charter Member of Mission Dorado Baptist Church since 1996. Grady's philosophy was "don't just warm a pew, find something to do", and he did just that. He was instrumental in various projects and activities at the church. From his family's perspective, Grady was dependable and dedicated to his church doing many services that were unseen.
Grady was also active in the support network through M.D. Anderson speaking with people newly diagnosed with melanoma. Grady also enjoyed many years driving for Meals on Wheels. We have learned that he has served others in many ways that we were unaware of.
Grady loved to travel with his bride and family, but his favorite hobby was working on any automobile. This was his true love and he could always be found working on the latest junkyard treasure. His most prized restoration was his 1959 Thunderbird.
Grady was a very talented man learning to play the piano as a child. His father gave him a choice of practicing the piano or chopping cotton. His choice to practice led him to perform for family friends. He has entertained at church, nursing homes, retirement homes, banquets, weddings and reunions. His skill at music evolved into building his own organ through a mail order kit.
Grady seemed to be able to fix anything. He was skilled at woodworking, electronics, and anything mechanical. To his grandchildren and great grands, he was known as "Paw Paw fix-it".
Grady is preceded in death by his parents, C.B. and Allie Norvell Glenn, his brothers, T.O. Glenn, D.D. Glenn, J.C. Glenn, C.B. Glenn Jr., Brady T. Glenn and his sisters, Arless Glenn Turner, Nora Glenn Byars, Gartha Marie Dunlop. He was also preceded in death by one beloved granddaughter Emily Daune Everett.
He is survived by his wife, Alice Glenn of the home, daughter Patti Bentley and husband Larry of Milburn, OK daughter Kay Jarrell and husband Terry of Odessa, TX and daughter Risa Craig and husband George of Midland, TX and his sister Martha Glenn Stone of Henderson, TN. Grady is also survived by 7 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren with one more on the way.
It is our belief that to his Lord and Savior he is known as "Good and Faithful Servant" so we choose not to say goodbye, our choice is to say see you soon.
The celebration of Grady's live will begin with visitation on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 from 6-8 pm at Sunset Memorial Gardens Funeral Home at 6801 E. Business IH 20 Odessa, TX with the service taking place at Mission Dorado Baptist Church 4142 Faudree Road, Odessa, TX on Thursday, October 8, 2015 at 10:00 am.
The family would like to thank Home Hospice WTX and Visiting Angels for helping us during this time. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Meals on Wheels or the charity of your choice.

Visitation

Sunset Memorial Funeral Home
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
6:00 - 8:00 PM

Service

Funeral Service

Mission Dorado Baptist Church
4142 Faudree Road
Odessa, TX  79765
Thursday, October 8, 2015
10:00 AM

Cemetery

Sunset Memorial Gardens
6801 E. Business 20
Odessa, TX  79762