Richard W. “Dick” Glover, 82, of Glen Allen, Va., went to be with his Lord on February 2, 2017. He was preceded in death by his brother, Armstead; and two sisters, Dorothy and Nancy. He is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Joan Sadler Glover; children Jerry Glover (Liz) of Mechanicsville, Donna Parrish (Terry) of Plano, Texas, Karen Glasco (Doug) of Manakin-Sabot and Joe Glover (Trish) of Forest; grandchildren Davis (Austin), Cole, and Carson Glover; Annah and Jena Parrish; Sidney and Mason Glasco; Victoria, Jack, Emily Elizabeth, and Rebekah Glover; and his sister, Juanita Angelini of Oxford, CT.
Growing up the son of a farmer in Victoria, Virginia, Dick Glover learned the value of hard work at an early age. He spent his days getting an education, pulling tobacco, delivering newspapers and milk, and playing sports. In high school, Dick lettered in varsity baseball, basketball and football while earning his Eagle Scout badge before entering the U.S. Navy at age 18. He would return to Virginia after serving his country to finish high school and move to Richmond, where he studied business at Richmond Polytechnic Institute (VCU) and met and married Joan. Early in his career, Dick worked in sales and sales management positions for Strietmann Biscuit Company, ChapStick, Miller-Morton Sales, Scott Packaging and Import, and A. H. Robins. He later owned and operated Toppings Personal Letter Service and RoDon Press, providing printing and direct mail services for clients across the country.
Dick entered public service in 1984 when he was appointed to the Henrico County Planning Commission. In 1987, he was elected to Henrico’s Board of Supervisors. While representing the Brookland District for more than 33 years, Dick served as chairman six times and vice chairman four times. He also chaired the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission, Richmond Area Metropolitan Planning Organization, and the Capital Area Training Consortium. He held appointed positions on many other boards, commissions, and committees at the local, regional, state, and national levels, including the County’s Audit Committee, Board of Social Services, and Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, as well as the Capital Region Airport Commission, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden Board of Directors, Virginia Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission, and steering and policy committees for the Virginia Association of Counties, National Association of Counties, and Virginia Municipal League.
Dick was sincerely committed to the residents of his district and played a vital role in preserving Glen Allen’s historic Mountain Road corridor, while ensuring public safety and quality residential and commercial development throughout the Brookland District. Some of the more significant projects he championed were The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen, the Glen Allen Stadium at RF&P Park, Greenwood Park, the redevelopment of Willow Lawn Shopping Center, and the Glen Allen and Libbie Mill Libraries. He was a strong and steadfast proponent of youth athletics and public education. He was a member of the Glen Allen Youth Athletic Association Hall of Fame and a lifetime member of the Hermitage High School Band and Auxiliary Boosters. During his tenure on the Board of Supervisors, Dick successfully promoted economic development and pushed for significant and progressive decreases in the County’s real estate and personal property tax rates, keeping a critical and knowledgeable eye on the County’s budget. Throughout his tenure on the Board of Supervisors, Dick remained true to his promise of being visible, receptive, and responsive to the people he served.
Most of all, Dick was deeply devoted to his Christian faith and his family. He was an active member of Grove Avenue Baptist Church and a supporter of the church’s television ministry. He will be fondly remembered by friends, civic groups, constituents, County employees, regional leaders, and especially by youth athletes in Henrico for his boundless energy, enthusiasm, and his genuine interest in people. The family received friends at Grove Avenue Baptist Church, 8701 Ridge Road, from 1:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Monday, February 6. A funeral service was held at the same location on Tuesday, February 7, at 11:00 a.m. Interment followed in Westhampton Memorial Park, 10000 Patterson Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the “Words of Victory” Television Ministry of Grove Avenue Baptist Church, 8701 Ridge Road, Henrico, VA 23229. [Click here to donate.]