Glenn Edward Gay was born February 6, 1947, the middle child of three children to the union of Samuel Gay and Marjorie Goodson in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His older brother, Samuel Gay Jr.; and both parents, Marjorie and Samuel Gay Sr., preceded him in death.

Glenn attended Overbrook High School and upon graduation served three years and four months in the U.S. Navy. After honorably discharging in 1968, he worked at Sisco’s Menswear; the first black owned clothing store in Philadelphia, selling haberdashery. Glenn resumed his education attending the Community College of Philadelphia and Lasalle University, where he ultimately attained his Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Management in 1976.  

After college, he was employed by Merck and Co. Inc. holding numerous positions; the last being an executive professional representative selling pharmaceuticals and biologics. The sales position was the impetus for his move to Kansas City in November 1979. Following Merck, he was self-employed at “Tiles that Bond” a ceramic tiling contracting company. One of his first jobs was tiling work at Diana and Reverend Emmanuel Clever II’s home. A number of parishioners also contracted with Tiles that Bond. 

Glenn had an unwavering love for family, a kind heart, a steadfast faith in God, and an infectious deep laugh that would brighten up any room. Glenn would help anyone, traits that he learned from his mother. Glenn volunteered at two local hospitals; Saint Joseph Medical Center and most recently, Children’s Mercy Hospital providing hospitality to families and patients. In Philadelphia, he attended Memorial Baptist Church and still had the Bible given to him after his baptism in 1956. While in Kansas City, he was a beloved member of St. James Methodist Church where he served on the senior usher board and male choir, the Master’s Men. 

Glenn leaves to cherish his memories, two daughters, Stacy James of Philadelphia, PA and Ashley Daniels, of Kansas City, Missouri; his sister Marilyn Edney of Sicklerville, NJ; his grandchildren Shawn and Brooke, along with dear friends.