February 28, 2024, Glenn Allen Thomas Rheubottom, passed away peacefully in his sleep after his battle with some medical issues. He was 72 years old. Glenn was known by many of his California neighbors as “the Preacher Man” as he preached the Gospel of Christ in parks, alleyways, under the freeways and where ever the spirit of God led him to bring the good news to the people on the Streets of Sacramento. Glenn was the eldest of five children born to Valerie “Mother Nature” Rheubottom, who preceded him in death.
Born in the “Hood” on the Streets of Brooklyn, New York, Glenn being a private sort of person, internally inspired to make his way out. Although crime, violence and vice were readily at his disposal on the Streets of Brooklyn, Glenn fought against the life that poverty offered; he believed he was better than his circumstances, and that he was.
Glenn’s first job in the late 60’s was at the Dimes Savings Bank in Downtown Brooklyn which fit his character because he was always frugal and wise when it came to preserving a dollar. Glenn later joined the military with the United States Army. Because Glenn had been blessed with a decent singing force, he found himself as a premier member of an army singing showcase in Germany. There he met his lovely “Dolly” and the romantic relationship between the two, produced Glenn’s only and beloved daughter “Maria” who resides with her family in El Paso, Texas, where Glenn transitioned.
As Glenn would exhibit on the Streets of Brooklyn, he was unmatched in the sports especially in handball and track and field. The “Hood” called him “White Lightning” because of his fair complexion and his remarkable speed. The handball courts adjacent to the March Housing Projects and well as those soldiers in the military, felt his “killers” on the handball court, where he was practically unbeatable.
Glenn was highly intelligent. He attended all the number one classes while in Elementary School, all the SP or (Special Progress) classes in Junior High and High School and eventually graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. After serving his tours of duty in the Army, Glenn went to work for the military as a civilian, attaching military hardware to army jeeps where he retired. This job, which generated micro specs of shaved metal carvings in his lungs, led to the beginning of medical problems as he was otherwise very health conscious.
Glenn is preceded in his passing by his grandparents Leroy Oswald Rheubottom and Venniesee Louise Clark, parents Valerie Rheubottom and Eliot Parham, his Uncle Paul Rheubottom, his brother Gary Rheubottom, and his nephew Akbar L. Rheubottom. Glenn leaves to mourn, his daughter Maria and her husband Jason Poynter, his brother Gregory, sisters Gloria and Gina, four grandchildren (Nikolas, Cynthia, Joshua and Ellyanna), two great-grandchildren (Elijah and Alakai), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces and nephews, and other family members and friends who love him and will miss him.
A visitation for Glenn will be held Friday, March 15, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Funeraria del Angel Restlawn, 8817 Dyer Street, El Paso, Texas 79904, followed by a funeral service with military honors at 3:00 PM.
