Glenn Elton Estess Sr.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, a noted businessman, public servant, and a faithful member of Brookwood Baptist Church.

He was born on September 4, 1927, in Pike County, Mississippi, as the 8th child of George Washington and Melissa Claire Smith Estess. Glenn had six brothers and one sister. He earned a degree in Chemistry and Physics from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Upon graduation from Tulane, Mr. Estess began his business career with a chemical supply and laboratory equipment products company in Jacksonville, FL. Mr. Estess rose through the ranks of the company but decided to return to his southern roots to continue his business career. In 1972, he came to Birmingham Alabama and established a personnel recruiting firm under the ownership of Glenn Estess & Associates, Inc. Glenn was past Chairman of Trustees of the Baptist Health Systems; a hospital system headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama with approximately 10,000 employees. He served as director of the Better Business Bureau of Central Alabama and as a trustee for the Workmen's Compensation Trust of the Business Council of Alabama. Earlier in Florida he was chairman of the YMCA, the American Chemical Society and the Arthritis Foundation. He was also a member of the Board of Regents of the National Association of Personnel Consultants in the United States.

When Mr. Estess retired from the business world, he turned his full attention and energies toward community service through Rotary, where he had been a very active member since 1960. Glenn was first a member in Rotary club #41 at Jacksonville, Florida, where he later became President of that club. When he moved to New Jersey, Glenn became a member and President of the Rotary Club of Wayne, New Jersey. Upon arriving in Birmingham, Mr. Estess also became a member and ultimately President, of the Shades Valley Rotary Club. Glenn was an Advisor to the 1997 RI Convention Committee and PolioPlus National Coordinator in 1987-1988. During his tenure as a Trustee, Glenn served as Chairman of the Foundation's Finance Committee and Vice Chairman of its Program Committee. He was RI's International Assembly Chairman and Moderator in 1999. Glenn was also the Chair of the 2002-2003 Membership Development and Retention Committee. In 2003, Glenn became President Elect of Rotary International.

Speaking on “Why I Am a Rotarian?”, Glenn E. Estess Sr. remarked: "Rotarians are a diverse group of people, from differing backgrounds and often of differ¬ent cultures. We have learned firsthand that Rotary does contribute to better understanding among people. Each experience adds to our number of special friends. When I witness the joy of a child and the appreciation of the mother as a result of our club providing a small playground at a local children's hos¬pital; when I talk with young people about career and educational oppor¬tunities, I know my Rotary efforts are worthwhile. And then, most of all - the fellowship, friendships, and sense of unity I experience in my club make me value membership in Rotary above all else, except my church.” In 2004 Mr. Estess had the distinct honor of being President of Rotary International during their 100th year of service to communities all over the world.

Mr. Estess is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Mary Grantham Estess; son Glenn Elton Estess, Jr. (Terri), daughter, Elizabeth Estess Wilson, (Stuart) and daughter Nancy Estess Martin (Jody), all of Birmingham, AL. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: John Grantham Estess (Elizabeth), Sarah Ann Estess, Mary Claire Estess, Andrew Stuart Wilson, Mallory Elizabeth Wilson, Spencer Estess Martin, Anna Kinsey Martin and Joseph Glenn Martin. He also has two great-grandchildren, David Grantham Estess and Evie Marelle Estess. He is also survived by a multitude of beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mr. Glenn E. Estess, Sr. leaves behind many family members and friends who admired and loved him and will miss him dearly. The family would like to thank all who have contacted them to offer their prayers and support. Visitation will be held Thursday, February 9th, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the sanctuary at Brookwood Baptist Church, 3449 Overton Road; Mtn Brook, AL 35223. A graveside service for family members will be held Friday morning, February 10th. A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 10th, at 1:00 pm at Brookwood Baptist Church, 3449 Overton Road; Mtn Brook, AL 35223.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting contributions to either:

The Rotary foundation of Rotary International

For the Glenn E. Estess Sr. Endowed Ambassadoral Scholarship for District 6860

One Rotary Center

1560 Sherman Ave.

Evanston, IL 60201, USA

Brookwood Baptist Church

3449 Overton Road

Mountain Brook, AL 35223-2199