Robert E. Glymph was born on May 1, 1940, to the late Johnnie and Lizzie Glymph at the famous Biltmore Estates in Asheville, N.C. This was the home of Dr. and Mrs. Moore where his Aunt Minnie Andrews and father Johnnie Glymph were employed.  Dr. and Mrs. Moore gave him the nickname Socrates and the family amicably continued calling him “Soc” for short.  His parents stayed in the Biltmore Estate community for a short time and later moved to stay with family members. A few years later he became the big doting, happy and proud brother of his one and only sister,Johnnie Mae Glymph. His Dad later chose to relocate up North. Robert and Johnie grew up in the Cleveland Metropolitan Housingand Cleveland Public School District. They shared lots of great memories in the housing projects: Outhwaite School, Kennard Jr. High, East Technical High, Project Hall, Friendly Inn Settlement and of course the P.O.C. where Robert was an exemplary baseball player and swimmer.  

In 1959, Robert graduated from East Technical High School and helped organize a young men’s and women’s social club with Juanita’s Mom, Mrs. Brown, and sister-in-law, Joyce Chapman. Robert always demonstrated a great work ethic. He worked at Huron Road Hospital while attending school and later worked with his Uncle Woodrow at Excel Cellophane Company. He bought his first dream car, a yellow and white 57 Ford Fairlane and was named “Cool Bob” for his high fashion dress attire.   

A few years later, Robert joined the U.S. Army where he achieved the Rank of SP4 (E4), played basketball on the Army team and worked in the Signal Corps Communications. He was awarded a Good Conduct Medal and a Marksman Badge (Rifle -MI). During his tenure in the service, Robert and Juanita were joined in Holy Matrimony on August 12, 1962. They later became the proud parents of two children. A son, Robert John Glymph 

 and a beautiful baby girl, Jennifer Lisa Glymph who was definitely a “Daddy’s Girl” and was there for her dad throughout some his hardest days and was there for him until the very end. He was a great father and often stressed the importance of education, great work ethic, doing your best, treating each other respectfully and loving each other the way he cared and loved them but more importantly, keeping the faith and trusting God for everything. 

Robert retired after 42 years of devoted service at General Motors Corporation. He then spent several years working at Highland Golf Course before becoming a school crossing guard for the City of Beachwood. He retired from that position due to health issues after 14 dedicated years. 

Robert attended Shiloh Baptist Church and accepted Christ May 22, 1955. In 2017, Robert joined Greater Vision Baptist Churchwhere he was a dedicated Usher, Greeter, choir member and loved preparing coffee and pastries before Sunday School. He was known for his pleasant personality and big smile.  He later joined Zion Chapel Baptist Church in 2023 and was a faithful member. His favorite scripture was “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths” Prov. 3:5-6 

Robert’s favorite pastimes were spending quality time with family. He enjoyed visiting his sister Johnnie and two nephews in Southfield, Michigan and especially attending the Glymph family reunions. He was the oldest living Glymph male and was the patriarch to the family for the last 10 years. He was an amazing and devoted family man who doted on his grandchildren’s endeavors. Robert was an avid sports fan and would often attend many of his great grandchildren’s sporting events. Robert was especially close to his son-in-law Byron and loved him like a son. You would often hear him boasting about how great of a son-in-law, husband, father and grandfather he is to his family. He went peacefully knowing that his wife and family would be taken care of. He also shared a special bond with his brothers and sisters-in-law’s and was always there when you needed him. Let us not forget his love, love, love for grocery shopping – almost every day!!! Robert loved Juanita’s cooking so much that he wanted to make sure she had everything needed to prepare his favorite meals.  

We could go on with many stories to share with you, but today wegive thanks and honor to God for giving us 86 beautiful years with our beloved. Through life’s adversities, Robert and Juanita found a spiritual bond and a love for each other that grew stronger each passing year. Although he is no longer with us physically, we will forever cherish all the loving memories we hold dear in our heartsof this INCREDIBLE God-fearing man. 

Robert leaves to cherish in his loving memory, his wife of 63 years, Juanita, daughter, Jennifer Lisa Horne (Byron), granddaughters,Robin Dillard, Jillian Glymph, Brittany Glymph, Jasmine Horne, Bianca Tucker and grandson, LaRobert Osborne. Great-grandchildren, Brooklyn Dillard, Jackson Horne, Braxton Dillard, London Saunders, Bradley Tucker, Jacob Horne, Kamila and Khalid Osborne and his only devoted sister, Johnie Glymph-Thomas, two nephews, Sean Thomas and Brent Thomas and one great-niece,Brielle Thomas and a host of relatives and friends. Preceded in death, by his parents, Johnnie and Lizzie Glymph, his son, Robert John Glymph, his brother-in-law, James E. Thomas, and grandson, Duane Dillard.