Glenn Starnes
July 20, 1907 ~ January 25, 2003
Resided in:
Asheville, NC
Glenn Starnes, 95, of 42 Cranford Road, formerly of Johnston Boulevard, Asheville, died Saturday, January 25, 2003 at Pisgah Manor Health Care Center.
A son of the late George H. and Teresa Hackney Starnes, he was born in a Victorian farm house on Haywood Road in West Asheville, built in 1885 by his father. He received his education in the Asheville City Schools and was a graduate of Fruitland Baptist High School after which he attended Carson-Newman College.
Mr. Starnes served four years in the Air Transport Command during WWII, stationed in Asam, India. His church life began in Calvary Baptist Church where he was a member for 40 years, actively serving as a deacon, teacher, choir member and soloist. When Grace Baptist Church was organized in 1947 he became a charter member. There he served as a trustee, deacon, teacher and soloist. Through the years he sang for many weddings and funerals in both Grace and Calvary churches.
His professional career was as a sales representative for Pearce, Young, Angel/Monarch before his retirement in 1966. During his retirement he spent ten winter seasons in Estero, Florida, where he enjoyed his great interest in many sports. His part-time work as a driver for Hertz International was another source of pleasure.
Glenn’s family, his work and the church were his great joys.
He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Blanche Embler Starnes; his daughter, Terrie Starnes Groce and her husband H. Dale Groce of Asheville; one granddaughter, Mary Kristina Groce of Winston-Salem; a brother-in-law, Timothy E. Queen of Fairview and 21 nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Mabel E. Starnes and four brothers, the Rev. Nane Starnes, George H. Starnes, Charley Starnes and Bert Starnes.
Funeral services will be 2:00 pm Wednesday at Grace Baptist Church with the Rev. Richard Baird officiating assisted by the Rev. Cloyes H. Starnes. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.
His family will receive friends one hour before the service at the church and request that memorials be made to Grace Baptist Church, 718 Haywood Road, Asheville, NC 28806.
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Terrie, I am sorry about your dad, my dad died 25 years ago this year, and it still is as if it were yesterday. I know you will miss him. My prayer is that God will fill that void for you, and send a rainbow in his place; to show you peace. I am praying for You, your mom, Dale and Kristina & the rest of the family for the Lord to give you strength in your time of need. We Love you all so much. I sure miss seeing you.
My prayers are with you. I have many wonderful memories of Glenn and your family. May God give you the peace that goes beyond understanding. Love and prayers, Shirley Alexander
Blanche, Terrie & Dale,
I felt a sense of loss with you in the death of Glenn Starnes. He was a very special and valued part of the community in which I grew up and have lived, as were all the members of that generation of Starnes’. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Fred and Pat Werhan
Dear Aunt Blanche, Terrie Jo, Dale and Kristina. I remember as a small child being at Grandmother Starnes. We were all gathered around the piano singing hymns and Christmas carols. Grandmother has all her children with her now and I can see them standing at the throne of God singing hymns. What a wonderful christian heritage we have. That will not get us into heaven but it really pointed us in the right direction.Love Terrie Ann
Lottie and I want Glen’s family to know that they are in our thoughts and prayers. Because we are so far away it won’t be possible for us to attend the services but we will be there in spirit. May God bless and protect each of you.
Lottie and Harold
What a wonderful person Glenn was and I have lots of wonderful memories of him.. I am sure there is a celebration in heaven of his life.
Blanche, my prayers are with you for God’s amazing comfort..
I love you dearly.
Kristy Alexander Komara
Dear Blanche,
I treasure our friendship and memories. Both of our thoughts and prayers are with you. –Frances
We were sorry to hear about Glenn. I know you will miss very much, as will everyone who knew him. Please let BJ know if there is anything that we can do to be of help…
We celebrate with you the life of Christian service of Glenn Starnes. We regret that our lives diverged and that we only saw all of the family when we visited my parents and brother. My mom and dad held Glenn and Blanche in the very highest regard — although we have not lived in Asheville since 1950, my mom and dad and Dorothy Smith always kept us informed about how you were doing. The memorial service should be a truly great celebration — Grace Baptist Church will be a sort of memorial to all of you who founded her and nurtured her over the years. We hope that your grief is overshadowed by the great memories of a life fully lived.
Blanche and Family, I am thinking of you all during this time of loss, and wish you peace. Jane Anne Luther
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. He had 95 terrific years. I will always remember the joyful way he greeted me (and everybody.)
Love,
Maxella aka ‘Sweet Little Marcellas’
For Blanche and Terri Jo and all the wider family — what a delightful individual Glenn was, what a wonderful life he led! I know all of you feel fortunate to have been a part of it, even though it means you are now so very, very saddened by his loss. I am holding you in the Light [a Quaker phrase] and wish for you all the warmth and clarity and strength that that can provide during this hard time.
Love,
June
Blanche & family, What an honor to call Glenn our friend. We will always remember him by his wonderful laught. We loved Glenn very much. Our prayers are with you and your family. Bill & De Ann
Terrie, so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Our best wishes to you, Dale, your mother and all of the family.
Blanche, Terri Jo, Dale, & Christina,
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We were in Hampton and just learned that Glenn had passed on. We will miss seeing his smiling face. He was an inspiration to us. God Bless each of you during this time of loss. Our Love, Joe & Wanda