Glenn Barbour

Glenn Barbour entered this world on January 28, 1947, and transitioned into the next on June 27th, 2023. He was born in Starke, FL, but at the young age of 6, his family relocated to Harlem, New York. He grew up in Harlem, as well as Bayside, Queens. After high school, Glenn joined the Marine Corps, and defended our country in the Vietnam War. Following an honorable discharge, he attended college and studied Broadcast Journalism. His first professional position was as a General Assignment Reporter/Co-Anchor of The Midday Edition at WRDW-TV Channel 12 News in Augusta, Georgia. For the next decade and a half, he worked in several different television markets throughout the country. Glenn was nominated for several Emmy awards, winning two. His ultimate goal was to reach the number one market, New York City. Glenn was hired as a News Writer at NBC's flagship station WNBC-TV. Recognizing his skills as a writer, he was promoted to produce the morning local news segment, which aired daily during the Today Show. After several successful years, Glenn was asked to oversee the weekend news. During his career, he interviewed luminaries such as James Brown, Hank Aaron, President Jimmy Carter, Ruben “Hurricane” Carter, Isaac Hayes, and many more.

After his early retirement from WNBC-TV, Glenn formed a very successful video production called “Six O'Clock Productions”(SOP). His company became a beacon for major corporations to highlight their minority vendors. His client list included IBM, PepsiCola, Kraft General Foods, UPS and many more.

In 1974, he met the love of his life, Cora, on the subway in New York City. They married in 1976, and traveled the US (and outside the country) extensively until 1983. That was the year that their daughter Heather was born, followed by Glenn Jr. in 1984. They lived in Connecticut until 1995, which is when they relocated to Orlando, FL.

The family joined Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in 1996. Two years later, he and Cora became members of the esteemed Deacon/Deaconess board. Shortly thereafter, Glenn founded the Trinity Players Ministry. People from all over Central Florida would make their way to Mount Pleasant to see the plays he wrote and produced.

During that same time, Glenn was the co-host for six years of the Martin Luther King. Jr. Parade in the City of Orlando. During that time, he created, produced and anchored a magazine show seen every Sunday on WRDQ-TV 27.

In addition, he was the face of Orange and Vision TV. For nearly two years, he could be heard on Smooth Jazz 103.1 WLOQ. In November 2020, Glenn was the recipient of a Special Congressional Certificate of Recognition from U.S. Representative Val Demings, for the production of his original play, “The July Perry Story, ” about the Ocoee massacre.

He had been a longtime member of NABJ-National Association of Black Journalists, The National Black Media Coalition, and Central Florida's Association of Black Journalists.

Over the last few years of his life, he enjoyed watching his beloved Yankees and Giants on TV (as well as his two favorite shows- Family Feud & The Young & The Restless), listening to smooth jazz and doo-wop, writing freelance scripts, and having fun debates with his grandson, Michael.

Glenn leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Cora, and their children- Heather Abood (Jason), and Glenn Barbour, Jr (Michelle). He was a beloved PawPaw to Michael Glenn. He also leaves behind his sisters, Angela, Hortense, and Natalie, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, colleagues, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Nettie; father, Thomas; daughter, Rachel; sisters, Mary & Sarah, brother, Thomas, Jr.

In lieu of flowers, we invite friends & family to contribute to a fund that will support Cora directly: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-cora-barbour

A a celebration of life for Glenn will be held Friday, July 14, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com for the Barbour family.