Vernon Glenn

Vernon was born on June 12, 1936, in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late Nellie Allen Glenn and Roger H. Glenn. He attended Sollers Point High School before earning his bachelor’s degree from Hampton Institute (now Hampton University), where he was a member of the swim team. He later received a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Virginia State University.

Vernon was honorably discharged from the United States Army in 1961. He began his professional career as an educator in the Portsmouth Public School System and later with Richmond Public Schools, where he taught middle school and served as both the Adult Education Supervisor and Adult School Communities Coordinator. In 1968, he joined Reynolds Metals Company in the Sales Department before finding his lifelong career in Personnel and Labor Relations. He retired from Reynolds in 1998 as Corporate Director of Equal Opportunity Affairs, and then went on to establish his own consulting firm. He also served as Executive Advisor for ALSTOM Power, Inc. from 1998-2003. Throughout his career, he was committed to fostering workplaces where individuals were treated with fairness, dignity, and respect, and where opportunities were available to all.

Vernon was an active member of the community for many years. He served on the boards of Westminster Canterbury, the J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College Educational Foundation, and the Hampton University School of Business Advisory Board. He also devoted his time to First Presbyterian Church, Bon Air Presbyterian Church, CARITAS, the Jaycees, Kiwanis, the Boy Scouts of America, and Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME), among many other organizations.

Vernon’s greatest joy was his family. Family was at the center of his life, and he found deep fulfillment in caring for and supporting those he loved. He rarely missed a sporting event, school activity, theater production or special occasion involving his children and grandchildren. He was so proud of his five grandsons and loved his duties as “Papa”. He cherished all time spent with his family, whether on the golf course, gathered around the table, playing card games and chess, or at his happiest place—his condominium in Corolla, North Carolina.

An avid golfer, one of his proudest memories was making par on the famed 17th hole at Pebble Beach, an experience made even more meaningful because he shared it with his son. His other passion was dancing. He was a fabulous dancer and was always in high demand as a dance partner at parties. His dance skills even led him to teach dance at his local Fred Astaire Dance Studio.

Vernon is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Barbara; his son, Vernon Glenn, Jr. (Nicole) of Mill Valley, California; his daughter, Jewel Caven (Dean) of Richmond, Virginia; his five grandsons: James, Zack, Jake, Josh, and Nicky; and many beloved nephews, extended family members, and friends.

The Glenn family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Will Voelzke and the staff of Virginia Cancer Institute for their many years of compassionate care, and to the caregivers at Sitter & Barfoot for their incredible kindness, support and personal attention during Vernon’s final months.

A memorial service will be held on September 18 at 2:00 p.m., at First Presbyterian Church, 4602 Cary Street Rd, Richmond, VA 23226.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund (https://fpcrichmond.org/give/) or to the Barbara and Vernon Glenn Fund at Virginia Repertory Theatre (114 W. Broad St., Richmond, VA 23220).