Glenn Edward Parmley

Glenn Edward Parmley of Birmingham, AL passed away on November 26, 2024 at 87. Nicknamed for his brightly colored hair, “Red” could always be seen with a smile on his face and most likely wearing camouflage.

Born August 7, 1937 in Tracy City, TN, Glenn was the fourth and youngest child of James Edward and Josephine Haynes Parmley. Glenn and his family moved to Birmingham when he was a child.

He attended Ensley High School where he met his high school sweetheart and future wife, Sarah Gail Finch. After his high school graduation in 1955, Glenn went on to attend the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) where he graduated with his Bachelor of Science in 1959.

Glenn proudly served his country through enlisting with the United States Army and the Army Reserve.

Glenn and Gail were married in1962 at First Baptist Wylam and spent the next 56 years together until her death in 2018. Their marriage was built through the Church and remains a true example of devotion, grace, and patience to this day. Glenn and Gail had two children, Shannon and Ryan, whom they loved so dearly.

Known as “Poppa,” Glenn spent the last 24 years of his life as a proud grandfather to Anne Mitchell and Lillie Corinne. This title might have been his most favorite.

Following his service with the US Army Reserves, Glenn continued his career with the Continental Insurance Co., Cliff Development Corp., and finally as an independent insurance agent. Working was a passion for Glenn, as even up to his final days he could be found at his desk faxing out documents to his clients.

Outside of work and family, Glenn was an avid football fan—serving 20 years as a high school and college referee and being an Alabama season ticket holder from 1962 until present. His favorite place to watch the Tide was at WT’s Restaurant & Lounge in Bessemer.

Glenn also loved deer hunting and spent a lot of his time at his hunt camp—“the farm.” He welcomed countless friends and family at the farm and took immense pride in showing the land to his guests.

He was an active, lifelong member in the Republican Party—serving from the local level all the way up to the state.

Glenn is survived by his two children, Shannon Sanders (Brantley) and Ryan Parmley, his beloved sister, Ruth Ramsey, and his two granddaughters, Anne Mitchell and Lillie Corinne Welch. His wife, Gail, preceded him in death in 2018 and was waiting patiently for him to come Home.

Services for Glenn will be held on Monday, December 2, 2024 at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. and service to follow at 11 a.m. He will be laid to rest next to Gail in the Oakwood Memorial Gardens. Services officiated by the Rt. Rev. Edward P. Whatley, Jr.