Gary Michael Glaze

Gary Michael Glaze, 77, of Memphis, Tennessee, died on Sunday, March 1, 2026. Born in Memphis in 1948 to J.A. (Alvin) and Nelle Glaze, he grew up in Frayser and graduated from Trezevant High School in 1966. He began his career as a member of the sheet-metal union, worked at International Harvester for eight years, and retired from the University of Memphis after 27 years of service in the Physical Plant.

A devoted Sunday school teacher for many years, Gary also taught weekly lessons at a local nursing facility. His deep commitment was evident in the stacks of reference guides and handwritten notes that filled his week as he prepared. He remained a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan and a steadfast supporter of University of Memphis basketball and football. From childhood, he held a passionate love for auto racing, attending hundreds of races over his lifetime and rarely missing one on television.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin and Nelle Glaze. Gary is survived by his wife of 49 years, Carolyn; son Toby and daughter-in-law Deanna, and granddaughter Shelby; and son Casey and daughter-in-law Elizabeth, and granddaughters Nevaeh and Teagan.