Obituaries » Reverend Richard Glenn Elgin
Reverend Richard Glenn Elgin
Reverend Richard Glenn Elgin died at the age of 91 on Sunday, June 18, 2023.
He was the son of the late Ora Roberson Elgin and Buren Alexander Elgin. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife Betty Jo Ann Phillips Elgin, his brothers James William “Bill” Elgin and Randolph Elgin, his sister Patricia Elgin Rorrer and his dear friend Oma Lea Merricks.
He is survived by his daughter Karen Elgin, son Michael Elgin (Carlan), grandson Zachary Elgin and his mother Jennifer Radner Elgin. He is also survived by his loving sisters Betty Jane Holt, June Carol Gunter (Marvin) and Sandra Richardson as well as many caring family members and friends.
Glenn worked in Marketing and Communications at General Electric and retired after 29 years. He was an ordained minister with the Church of the Brethren and a member of the Lynchburg Church of the Brethren since 1960. He served many congregations during his tenure to include the Smith River Church of the Brethren where his father served for many years. He was an avid tennis player and enjoyed fishing. He played golf and in his later years enjoyed many games of pool. Glenn loved to make music and could play the guitar and mandolin while singing the songs he admired and many he had written himself.
When people speak about Glenn, they always say “he is so nice”. Blessings to the nicest man many have ever met and may his example and faith remind us to be kind to one another.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 23, 2023, at 11a.m. at Tharp Funeral Home, 220 Breezewood Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24502, with his nephew Reverend Richard A. Rorrer officiating.
Memorials may be made to the Lynchburg Church of the Brethren, Smith River Church of the Brethren or the charity of your choice.
Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.
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So sorry to hear of your fathers passing Michael. Sending much love from the Draper family
Posted by Karen Draper on June 21, 2023
Glenn was a humble, kind and caring man who we were fortunate enough to meet through our Mom. They became special friends after the passing of their beloved spouses. Their time was filled by attending church services and local community activities, going on picnics, listening and singing together as he played the guitar or mandolin, family breakfasts and other family events, etc. He was always a good example to others, and we enjoyed our time with him. When our mom was in healthcare, he visited her daily and rolled her down to the dining room to enjoy lunch together when she was able. We know exactly where Glenn is, and likewise know that he is happy to be home with his Lord and Savior that was so important to him. Truly, he is having a grand reunion with family and friends too. We know that with his new body he is running down those streets of gold and hearing the beautiful heavenly choirs of angels accompanied by the harps. He might even join in with them!!! We are so thankful for him and his friendship and for the kindness he always extended to us. Love, Susan and Gary Collins and Steve and Sharon Merricks and families.
Posted by Susan and Gary Collins and Steve and Sharon Merricks and families on June 21, 2023
Karen and Michael, we are so sorry about your dad's passing. He was one of a kind and we will all miss him so very much. We grieve along with you and yet, we rejoice in his victory. I know there were many open arms welcoming him home on Sunday. May you cherish his memory forever.
Posted by Jill and Richard Torrence on June 21, 2023
I knew Glenn when we first moved to town in 2008. He was one of the kindest people I ever met! He was soft spoken, but he could also make his point in a discussion or debate, especially if the discussion had to do with the Bible! He was very knowledgeable not only about the Bible, but also the Church of the Brethren in this part of Virginia. He was a faithful attender at Lynchburg Church of the Brethren until he moved to Martinsville, to be near his special friend. I will remember him fondly.
Posted by Leah Harness on June 21, 2023
What an incredible man, and a life well lived. Truly, one of the nicest and kindest person to grace this earth. In my 52 years, I’ve never seen anything but a smile on his face and kind, encouraging, loving words come out of his mouth. He was an incredible blessing to our family. He loved our Betty Jo with all of his heart. They raised two amazing children, and one grandson. Glenn was never really an “in law” - he was just one of us. Which if you know the Phillips clan wasn’t an easy feat for a reverend lol. But he always loved us, supported us and showed us through his example what true love and acceptance looked like. You lived a great life and left behind an incredible legacy, Uncle Glenn. Wishing you much peace and eternal love in this next phase. Love you always, Shelli
Posted by Michelle Phillips on June 21, 2023
Uncle Glenn, your life was a melody of love. As we all know where you are, I will simply say - see you soon. I love you dearly. Ricky
Posted by Richard Rorrer on June 21, 2023
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