Glynn was among Texas’ sporting legends, first at Abilene High in the 1950s, where he led the football team to 37 straight victories and three state titles, and later at Southern Methodist University, where he is in the school’s hall of fame. His records at Abilene set the standard for today’s athletes. Glynn also turned down offers from professional baseball teams who saw the switch-hitting all-state catcher on the Abilene High diamond.
Glynn’s accomplishments on the field were rivaled by his intelligence, noble character and business acumen.
Glynn died Thursday, Feb 14 at his home in Dallas after a long bout with cancer. He was 73.
Glynn was born July 6, 1939 in Paris, Texas. He moved to Abilene while he was in junior high. Coaches immediately saw a budding talent. He was a member of the state championship football teams from 1954 through 1956. In his senior season he rushed for 1,142 yards and 22 touchdowns.
At SMU he became a standout halfback, punter and defensive back, earning player of the year honors his junior year in 1959.
After a successful four-year career at SMU, Glynn was selected by both the Dallas Texans and the Dallas Cowboys in the 1961 drafts. He elected to play defensive back for the Cowboys, who picked him in the 9th round.
Glynn played for Tom Landry alongside Don Meredith, Bob Lily and Chuck Howley for a year and a half before a devastating knee injury sidelined his football career.
After his playing career ended unceremoniously, Glynn began entry-level work at First National Bank and advanced to an executive. He then worked 31 years for Equitable Life Insurance and ended his career at Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital in Dallas.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia, her daughter Rhonda and husband Randy Mince; three grandchildren Jennie Hoffman, Kelly Hill and Hayley Mince; and five great grandchildren Kason, Karson and Kaden Hill and Tristan and Connor Hoffman.
Services are 2 p.m. Monday at Sparkman Hillcrest, 7405 W. Northwest Highway in Dallas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Dallas, Texas.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18