Glenn Vincent Hyland

Glenn Vincent Hyland passed away on November 13, 2022 in Cabot, Arkansas.  He was born on July 16, 1927 in Neelyville, MO.  He was preceded in death by his parents George and Maude Hyland, and his wife of 73 years, Mary Betty Hyland.  Glenn was a Navy veteran of World War II. After returning from the war, Glenn began college at what is now Arkansas State University where he met his wife and completed a degree in business. While in college, he enrolled in Army ROTC receiving his commission as second lieutenant. During the Korean conflict he served in the infantry as an instructor.  Upon discharge from the Army, Glenn began his career in Life Insurance and Investment sales in 1954.  This career would span 3 ½ decades and moving him from Newport to Little Rock, and finally to Antioch.  His territory included the state of Arkansas, to which he travelled extensively. He served as deacon in his local churches in Little Rock, AR and Antioch, AR for over 40 years. His bass voice lent itself to church choirs for many years.  His faith was always on display, never saying an unkind word. (Ephesians 4:29) He became a member of Gideons International in 1984 and placed literally tens of thousands of bibles.

Glenn was an avid gardener and won multiple blue ribbons at the White County fair for his garden produce. He would mention the “pressure” of providing beans, tomatoes, squash, okra, etc. for his children and grandchildren was overwhelming, but he loved every minute of it. For over 20 years, Glenn and Betty would winter in south Florida. Saltwater fishing was a passion. Whatever he and his fishing buddy would catch during the week would be served at the “Friday Night Fish Fry” where their circle of friends expanded to other snowbirds from all over the country and world.

Glenn’s outgoing personality was well known. He never met a stranger.  If he saw someone he didn’t know, you could give him five minutes with them, and he would have found out their life story. He was a natural salesman, be it life insurance or a charity yard sale.  He loved attending events for his grandchildren, be it sporting events and or school activities offering his support and encouragement. In short, Glenn loved God, loved his wife, loved his family, and even loved a good joke.

Glenn leaves behind two children, Dennis (Lea) Hyland of Cabot, AR and Jenny (Larry) Burnett of Benton, AR; three grandchildren, Mark Burnett (Jamie) of Ft Smith, AR, Beth Loggains (Dowell)  of Fayetteville, AR, and Sarah Branscum (Michael) of Cabot, AR; and six great grandchildren, Reese, Aven, Ryne and Conner Loggains of Fayetteville, AR and Eryn and Peyton Branscum of Cabot, AR; and a host of nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be given to the Gideons International organization (www.Gideons.org). 

Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. followed by funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, November 17, 2022, at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W Dewitt Henry Drive, Beebe, AR 72012, with burial in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens. Please visit www.smithfamilycares.com/westbrook