Glenn Erwin McCallister Sr

Glenn Erwin McCallister, Sr. – A Lifetime of Service to the Lord January 2, 1932 – December 22, 2020 “…Thy word have I hid in Mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” Psalm 119:11 He is survived by wife Bernice McCallister, children Shirley Polidori (husband Andre’), Glenn McCallister Jr., Linda Russo (husband John), grandchildren Dawn Morales, Kelle Almeida, Alaina Samuel, Danielle Woods, and great grandchildren Makayla Morales, Haley Reese, Kenna, Jaxson and Adelyn Samuel, Levi and Milo Woods. Glenn’s greatest love was for the Lord. He served the Lord with all his heart, never wavering in his service and lifelong commitment to the Lord, providing an example for all his family to follow. Over the years, he served as a Preacher, a Teacher, an Elder and participated in the prison ministry. Throughout his life he studied the Bible, gaining an understanding of the scripture greater than anyone we know, and he always had the strength and fortitude to recite the inspired word of God as written, never taking away or adding to the Lord’s teachings. His knowledge and passion for the truth will be greatly missed. Glenn was born at home on January 2, 1932 in Auburndale Florida, to Opal (Reynolds) and Royce McCallister. Glenn lost his father in a tragic accident when he was only 2 years old. Following his father’s passing, Glenn and his younger brother Douglas, were raised by their Grandmother, Lela Michelle McCallister, affectionately known as Granny Mac, in Auburndale Florida. After completing high school, Glenn moved to live with his Aunt Bobbie-Lee in New Jersey, where he attended Columbia University. After a year, he relocated to Temple Terrace, Florida, where he attended Florida Christian College. He worked his way through college as a Men’s Dorm supervisor and Assistant Chef in the school cafeteria. During summer breaks, he sold books for Southwestern Bible Company. While traveling and selling books/bibles, he first met his future wife, Bernice, at Nelson’s Chapel Church of Christ in Maryville, TN. Bernice was 18 and Glenn was 19. They started dating in September of 1952, two weeks after Bernice started attending Florida Christian College. Glenn asked Bernice to marry him 3 months later, by phone, when she was home in Tennessee for Christmas break. Bernice responded, “are you crazy”, not believing he was serious and that they could talk later. When Bernice returned to school in Florida, she was surprised to find Glenn waiting on her doorstep and showing his persistence, he asked, “Well what’s your answer?” They were married less than 3 weeks later on January 23rd, 1953, and yes, Glenn planned the whole wedding! Later that year, Glenn graduated with his Bachelor of Science Degree, from Florida Christian College. After graduation, Glenn and Bernice moved to Dade City where he was the preacher at Dade City Church of Christ. Their first child and daughter Teresa was born in 1954, and their second daughter, Shirley was born in 1955. The family then moved to Tampa, where Glenn preached part time and started his career with John Hancock Life Insurance Company. In 1956, Glenn was promoted to Staff Manager with John Hancock and the family moved to Jacksonville, FL. While in Jacksonville his third child, Glenn Jr. was born in 1957 and his fourth child, Linda was born in 1961. Glenn had many accomplishments while working for John Hancock, which included numerous “President’s Awards”, and “First in the Nation in Property and Casualty Sales”. In 1965, Glenn was again promoted becoming the Regional Supervisor for the Southeast. In 1966, he chose Brevard County to open a new office location, from the ground up. The family then followed and moved to Rockledge, Florida. In 1980, he transferred to the General Agency of John Hancock as the Property & Casualty Manager for the Merritt Island Office. Retiring from John Hancock in 1990, he then opened the Glenn E. McCallister Agency with his son, Glenn Jr. In August of 2019, at the age of 87, he closed the Glenn E. McCallister Agency after 29 years. Although Glenn worked hard and tirelessly building his career throughout the years, he didn’t neglect what was most important to him, his endless love for his wife and family. To Glenn, family was the highest priority in his life, and his greatest responsibility, second only to the Lord. Glenn used his teachings in Christ to guide his family in their “Journey of Life”, teaching them the importance of making the right choices, and following God’s plan. Glenn’s mission to serve the Lord extended to the ends of his energetic and kind soul, as an active member of Rotary for 50+ years, the Underwriters Association, and other organizations volunteering to support those less fortunate in the community, as well as, helping complete strangers who crossed his path. Glenn also loved “God’s Earth”. He had a passion for enjoying the great outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and loved the companionship of his friends in the Florida Flyrod Club. Family and friends will tell you; it was not unusual for him to “sweet talk” a big fish all the way into the boat. Glenn’s compassionate heart and love for the Lord will be missed by all until we meet him again one day on the other shore. As Glenn would cheerfully recite: “This is the day the LORD hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it” Psalms 118:24 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to the Mount Dora Children’s Home. Memorial services will be held at a later date.