Bennett Joe Glazer

Bennett Glazer—beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, devoted friend, and visionary business leader—passed away surrounded by the family he cherished. He leaves behind a legacy defined by extraordinary professional achievement, enduring relationships, and a life lived with warmth, humor, and deep connection.

Bennett was born in Dallas, Texas, on July 30, 1945, and passed away on April 20, 2026.

A pillar of a family whose name became synonymous with excellence in the wine and spirits industry, Bennett played a central role in building and shaping Glazer’s Wine & Spirits into an industry leader. He took the reins of Glazer’s in 1996 and led the business for 20 years. In 2016, Bennett was instrumental in the decision to merge Glazer’s with Southern Wine & Spirits, creating Southern Glazer’s—an industry powerhouse with a nationwide footprint. Over the course of decades, he guided Glazer’s growth with keen instinct, unwavering dedication, and a long-term vision that helped transform the business. He took great pride in his work—not for recognition, but for what it represented: perseverance, innovation, and the continuation of a legacy he deeply respected.

In addition to Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, Bennett built Glazer’s Beer and Beverage into one of the country’s largest regional beer distributors, which he continued to lead until his passing.

For Bennett, relationships were everything. He knew everyone, and everyone was his friend. He had a generous heart and was always eager to do a favor for anyone who asked. He believed relationships were at the core of everything, and nowhere was that more evident than in the joy he felt when he saw Southern Glazer’s dominate a restaurant wine list.

Bennett was a proud graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, where he was a member of the ZBT fraternity and a New Man of the Texas Cowboys in 1965—an honor also bestowed upon his son, Sam. He never lost his love for the Longhorns and remained a devoted supporter of the University. In 2024, Bennett was inducted into the McCombs School of Business Hall of Fame. He also loved the Dallas Cowboys, and game days were cherished rituals.

An avid and accomplished athlete, Bennett embraced both competition and camaraderie. From jogging and basketball to ping pong and golf, he approached every activity with energy, discipline, and good humor. More than anything, he valued the connections forged through the games he loved. As a young man, he enjoyed playing basketball at the Cooper Clinic, where he had the opportunity to play alongside Dallas Cowboys greats such as Roger Staubach, Cliff Harris, and Drew Pearson. He was also inducted into the Gregory Gym Hall of Fame at the University of Texas for handball. Bennett took great pride in his six-minute, forty-eight-second pace for a half marathon.

Above all, family gatherings were his greatest joy—filled with laughter, storytelling, and his unmistakable presence. He had a gift for making each person feel special and valued, offering encouragement and unwavering support. His pride in his family was unmatched.

Bennett cultivated deep and lasting friendships marked by loyalty, authenticity, and warmth. He was known for his quick wit, his love of brainteasers, and his ability to tell a story that never lost its charm. His humor was sharp yet generous, and his presence brought ease, laughter, and connection to every room he entered. He never forgot a joke and could tell the same one again and again as if it were the first time. His humor and laughter were contagious.

Bennett lived with purpose, generosity, and heart. He built something meaningful, cherished those around him, and left a lasting impression on all who knew him. He was a pillar in his community through his leadership and generosity, never turning away anyone in need. His heart was open to all who asked. Bennett was especially devoted to the University of Texas and the T. Boone Pickens Cancer Center at Baylor Scott & White.

Bennett is survived by his beloved wife, Marion; his son Sam and his wife, Stephanie; his daughter, Paige; and his cherished granddaughter, Scarlett. He is also survived by his sister, Betty, and her husband, Steve Silverman, all of whom brought him endless pride and joy.

He is further survived by his extended family and a wide circle of friends who were like family to him. He was preceded in death by his father, Nolan Glazer; his mother, Frances Glazer; and his brothers, R.L. and Stevie Glazer.

His legacy endures through the family he loved so deeply, the business he helped shape, the friendships he nurtured, and the many lives he touched. He truly loved life—and life loved him right back. He lived according to the credo of the Texas Cowboys: “Give the best you have to Texas, and the best will come back to you”

A memorial service will be held Thursday, April 23, at 2:00 p.m. at Temple Emanu-El in Dallas, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to cancer research.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all.