Obituary of Raymond Glover

Raymond Clarence Glover was a man of few words but those words spoke volumes to many people! He was deeply loved by his wife and best friend of 38 years, Mildred S. Glover. He went home to be with the Lord on October 10, 2014 surrounded by his loving family and friends. Raymond Glover proudly served his country by enlisting in the United States Army in 1964 as a member of the Signal Corp where he learned what became his career and passion-technology. Raymond served in Vietnam and God brought him home to fulfill his years of service in the church, family and community. Raymond became the first African American lineman in 1967 for NY State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) when he was discharged from the U.S. Army and served in various roles and locations in Elmira to Lockport to Binghamton until 2005. Raymond's pioneer role led to many others being able to enjoy a successful career at NYSEG including his wife and best friend Mildred S. Glover and Herbert Ellison. He was a very active and faithful member of Faith Temple Community Church. He loved the Lord with all of his heart. He held many positions within the church and touched the lives of the many people he encountered. He became an ordained Elder in 2012 and served as president of the Faith Temple Clergy Academy. He served as a Sunday School teacher, served in the finance department, assisted in the Bath ministry, assisted in the youth tutoring program and was overall willing worker and obedient servant building God's Kingdom. Raymond had a heart for children and knew that it was God's calling for his life. He truly embraced Matthew 19:14 that states " But Jesus said, suffer the children and forbid them not." and he served as a mentor for so many from youth to adults and with his wife and best friend Mildred Glover served as a faithful and loving formal and informal foster parent for countless children. One of his greatest joys in life was being a father. His family includes, Melissa Glover of Elmira, Christina (Courtney) Harden of Philadelphia, Shanna Glover of Elmira Heights, Makayla Glover of Elmira and Thomas (Hope) Glover of Hubert, North Carolina. His grandchildren loved their "Papa." He leaves a legacy of his eight grandchildren, Jordan, Raymond, Alaysia, Tangela, Arrianna, Camden, Hayden and Connor. In addition, he loved his adopted grandson Michael and his godson Brian. He was pre-deceased by his parents Gilbert and Minnie Glover Sr., his siblings John Salmond, Sadie Lawhorn and Gilbert Glover Jr. He is survived by his brother Hubert (Roni) Glover and nieces and nephews. Raymond continued his father's spiritual bond, church fellowship and friendship that Gilbert Glover and James "Bud" Ellison enjoyed for many years with his son Herbert Ellison. These two and families overall were so close that Herbert, Carolyn and Raymond were birthday mates as they were born within hours of each other. Herbert and his wife Lil were there to see Raymond's calling home and continue to be loving friends of the family. Raymond's smile, presence, spirit and fellowship will be missed by his fellow church brothers and sisters, family and friends who had the blessing of being touched by his ministry and love. Friends are invited to Faith Temple, C.O.G.I.C., 722 Standish Street, Elmira, NY 14901 on Wednesday, October 15th from 6 PM to 8 PM for a memorial service to honor Raymond. Additionally, celebration of his life will be held at the church from 10 AM to 12 PM on Thursday, October 16th with a service to be held at noon. Walter J. Kent Funeral Home is assisting the family.