John Paul Glover

Born in a small town in Southwest Georgia on January 6, 1926, John Paul Glover passed from this Earthly plane on September 28, 2024, a few months shy of his 99th birthday. He led a full and active life until he experienced a series of strokes in the final year.

At age 18, John enlisted in the United States Navy and left his family home in Pelham, GA to serve in World War II. For two years he served primarily in the South Pacific Theater of the War. While stationed on bases in both New Guinea and the Philippines, he worked with PT boats and Jeep Motor Pools. When traveling aboard ships on the seas, his natural electrical and mechanical abilities made this seaman a trusted engine room master machinist ensuring both departure and docking procedures as well as precision speed for cruising. In addition, he served as a flagman for aircraft and a spotter of enemy airplanes. He was recognized by his ship mates for his ability to memorize plane wing types and flag signals.

Dressed in his Navy uniform, he met his future wife (Nina) on July 21, 1946, which was the first day he returned from the Navy to his hometown. She was impressed with this world traveling “Sailor Man,” as she immediately named him. They wed two years later and moved to Winter Garden to begin a new life together. He worked at Minute Maid Corporation’s Plymouth, FL location for several years. Later, his vocational interest turned to sales, which led him to positions at Prudential Insurance, followed by his capstone career as a licensed realtor until he retired.

John enjoyed fishing and being near or on any body of water. He also had a love of the history of the “Old West” and visited many historical sites and ghost towns in several states. He was known to study maps intently. Well into his nineties he could cite road numbers and highway names. He also treasured family gatherings, his Georgia roots, historical books, and the National Geographic magazine. He enjoyed contract law and analyzing the United States Constitution. He was a “by the book” man.

John was preceded in death by his wife (Nina) of 73 years and all seven of his siblings, a grandson, Andy Glover, as well as several nephews and nieces. He is survived by his three children: son John Steven Glover (Lynn), and daughters Lorri Glover and Rhonda Glover. He also leaves behind a granddaughter, Andrea Summers (Scott), great grandsons Jared Summers (Stephanie), Blake Summers (Cait), and Grant Summers (Holly), two great granddaughters Destiny Glover and Cindy Glover, as well as several great, great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home in Winter Garden, Friday, October 4, 2024. The service will begin at 11:00 am. Followed by interment at Winter Garden Cemetery.