Robert Ely "Bob" Glidewell, Sr.

Robert Ely "Bob" Glidewell, Sr. passed away on October 3, 2025, in Ripley, Mississippi. Born on March 24, 1941, in Rienzi, Mississippi,  He devoted his life to education and community, teaching for 36 years and notably starting the first baseball team at Thrasher High School. “Mr. Bob” as he was affectionately called by many former students, prided himself as being firm but fair and always tried to find the best in everyone. His legacy as an educator was marked by his commitment to instilling values in his students, often expressed through his one main rule for his students and sons, "JUST DO RIGHT," reflecting his belief in the importance of simple virtues. Mr. Bob earned a Bachelor’s degree in History from Mississippi State University. He was a man of many interests, enjoying country and southern gospel music, and he held a particular fondness for the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves. Alongside his love for teaching, Mr. Bob was a world-class gardener, who also raised cattle, showcasing his connection to the land and the joy he found in nurturing it. He took immense pride in his three granddaughters: Eleanor, Emmalene, and Ensley, who were his pride and joy. 

Family was at the heart of his life, and he leaves behind his beloved wife of 60 years, Ann Glidewell, along with their sons, Robert Ely Glidewell, Jr. and his wife Lori, and Terry Wayne "Skip" Glidewell and his wife Jessica; grandchildren, Eleanor Glidewell, Emmalene Glidewell, Ensley Glidewell, Haley Gore (Drew Dance), Holley Brazil (Mike), Phillip Degraffenreid (Amy); 8 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild. He is preceded in death by his parents, Newton Ely Glidewell and Laura Mabel Nash Glidewell, as well as his siblings: Mitchell Glidewell, Herman Glidewell, Richard Glidewell, J.L. Glidewell, Harold Tucker, Velma Hancock, Helen Owen, and Opal Burcham.

Visitation will be held on October 11, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and again on October 12, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, both held at Magnolia Funeral Home - East in Corinth, Mississippi. A funeral service will follow at the same location on October 12, 2025, starting at 2:00 PM. Pallbearers will include Ray Massengill, Rudy Massengill, David Massengill, Norman Searcy, Nobel Williams, and Louis Vanderford, with Durell Glidewell serving as an honorary pallbearer.

Coming from humble beginnings, Mr. Bob's strong work ethic is something that will be passed on for generations. As the first in his family to graduate college, hitchhiking from Rienzi to Mississippi State, he established an appreciation and expectation for educational success that lives on today. Mr. Bob is remembered as a simple man who embraced the joys of life and the beauty of nature, whose legacy will forever remain in the hearts of those he inspired and loved.