Joseph William Glancy

Joseph William Glancy 

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joseph William Glancy, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and World War II Navy veteran, who passed away peacefully at the age of 99 on February 14, 2025. A man who lived life with immense pride and love for his family, he was known for his strong sense of duty, dedication to his loved ones, and youthful perseverance embodied by a memorable quip -- "I'll be old in 10 years" -- a phrase he repeated every birthday with a smile -- a passive reminder to all those around him that age was just a number, and that the spirit of life should always be embraced.

Mr. Glancy was the true embodiment of “The Greatest Generation.” In 1944, at just 18 years old, standing 5’10” and weighing 140 pounds, he answered the call to serve his country by joining the Navy during WWII, displaying remarkable courage and resilience in defense of his nation despite still being in the 11th grade. His time in service shaped much of his character — a resilient, hardworking, and unfailingly loyal man who valued the simple pleasures in life.

He served his country with distinction during World War II in the Pacific Theater. He was amongst the first military personnel in the world to work with the “new” technology dubbed “Radar”, and after specialized training he was deployed as a member of the crew on LST 753, a ship built during World War II to support amphibious operations in multiple theaters. The crew first sailed the ship from Pittsburg, PA, navigating the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers before sailing the Gulf of Mexico and the Panama Canal to reach open ocean and the Pacific Theater, during which the crew were instrumental in successful operations via key landings in battles in the Philippines and Borneo. The ship and men of LST 753 earned 5 battle stars and several medals during their duty. Mr. Glancy was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal – with 3 Bronze Stars, the Navy Occupation Service (Asia) Medal, the Philippine Liberation Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, aPhilippine Presidential Unit Citation and an Honorable Service Pin.

After the war, Joe built a life rooted in love and family. He married Lorene, with whom he shared 61 years of unwavering devotion. Together, they raised five children, instilling in them the values of hard work, kindness, and perseverance.

Mr. Glancy worked for over 39 years with RCA Service Company, which took him and his family to different cities over his career, transferring many times to what would become new homes and separate birthplaces for each of his five children. His journey took him through Louisville, Memphis, Tulsa, Houston, Jackson, and eventually to Little Rock, where he put down roots and served as RCA’s local branch manager until his retirement.

Mr. Glancy was a charter member of Christ the King Catholic Church. He volunteered on various church committees and missions, including over 20 years of service for the Building Bright Futures program and an active member of the Knights of Columbus Council #24, where his years of service ended as a 4th Degree Knight.

In his retirement years, his family continued to grow, blessing him with nine grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren, each of whom he adored beyond measure.

An avid gardener, Joe found joy rising early in the morning to cultivate and tend to his crop. Gardening was not just a hobby but a passion that brought him peace and contentment. Though he never boasted of the bounty of his backyard, he often bestowed the bulk of his harvest to others, and anyone fortunate enough to have sampled his homegrown tomatoes knows there are few things that can possess such indulgent tasteand invoke wistful nostalgia. After morning garden sessions, he would enjoy simple lunch that often included a single beer and a can of sardines -- a daily tradition that became part  of his charm.

In addition to his many accomplishments, he was known for his humor and unique outlook on life. If life, school or work got tough, he lived by the same mantra which he regularly imparted on his progenies – “pay the price,” a poignant reminder that nothing worth gaining is free.

Joe was an enthusiastic and dedicated spectator of any event featuring his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. No matter the season or the sport—Pepa, Grandpa, Pawpaw Great or Papa Joe, as he was also known—was there, cheering, encouraging, and celebrating every victory, imparting advice at every defeat and ensuring that both outcomes included a lesson learned. His presence in the stands at perhaps thousands of events became a cherished tradition, a testament to his unwavering support and love, and surely a record deserving of its own lifetime achievement award.

Joe is preceded in death by his wife Lorene Glancy, his parents John Milton and Augusta (Duecker) Glancy, his 2 sisters (Mary and Glad), 2 brothers (John and Jack). He is survived by his children, his grandchildren, his great-grandchildren, and a vast network of extended family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Children: Pat (Lynn) Glancy, Mike (Carole) Glancy, Sean (Mary) Glancy, Tim (Jeanette) Glancy and Shannon (Greg) Gasaway; 9 Grandchildren, 14 Great Grandchildren. 

We are immeasurably grateful to the nurses, aides and staff at The Manor Senior Living Community for their love and support, and to Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care and kindness as Joe found peace.

A Visitation/ Rosary will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church, on Monday, February 24th at 10:00 am, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Committal will be at 1:00 p.m. at Forest Hills Cemetery. www.smithfamilycares.com

Memorial donations may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church, 4000 North Rodney Parham Road, Little Rock, AR 72212, Catholic High School for Boys or Mount Saint Mary’sAcademy.