Thomas William Glenn
December 22, 1968 - December 17, 2023

Thomas (Tommy) William Glenn, age 54, of Boiling Spring Lakes, N.C. went home to
heaven on Sunday, December 17, 2023. After a long and courageous battle with
cribriform adenocarcinoma of the tongue and minor salivary glands, Tommy succumbed
to the cancer with no viable options for treatment. Tommy’s strong faith gave him the
strength to live life to the fullest while accepting God’s greater plan for him.
Tommy is survived by his beloved wife, Cynthia (Cyndi) T. Glenn, whom he described as
the smartest person he knew, “having more medical degrees than a thermometer.” One
day back in 2013 he convinced this bright, beautiful, very successful nursing director to
go on a date with his broken self, and from then on they were never apart. They went on
to tie the knot on November 22, 2013. Tommy said that if scientists could discover the
formula that brought them together it could surely bring world peace. They blended their
families together in what Tommy thought would have made a great reality TV hit.
Bringing these five kids, two adults, four cats, and three dogs together into the same
county much less the same house was a recipe for laughter, turf conquering classes,
and a fascinating study into how to remain an individual in a group dynamic of love,
individualism, and dependence.
In addition to Cyndi, Tommy leaves behind his wonderful family and support system. He
is also survived by his mother, Saundra “Sandy” Glenn of Asheville, N.C.; brother P.J.
Glenn of Arden, N.C.; daughter Megan Ashley Glenn Hutchinson (Coty) of Oak Island,
N.C. and her children Zander, Nora Kate “Norbert” and C.J.; daughter Aimee Glenn
Packer (Michael) of Fletcher N.C. and her daughter Timberly; daughter Kelsey Simmons
"Little Bit" (Justin) of Wilmington, N.C.; and sons Mason Simmons of Leland, N.C. and
Trevor Glenn of Southport and Sylva, N.C. Tommy was blessed in life with a large
extended family and many close friends and colleagues.
Tommy was preceded in death by his father, Robert William (Bill) Glenn, in May of
2023.
Tommy was born December 22, 1968 in Asheville, N.C. He and brother P.J. grew up in
Arden, N.C. You will recognize P.J. at the funeral as the only one wearing a Clemson
baseball cap and Crocs. P.J. is married to Shannon and they have two sons and a
daughter, Reilly James, Parker James and Reagan. Tommy’s mom still resides at Glenn
Acres on the family compound, which Tommy recalled was “noted for its advanced
studies in corporal punishment and its state-of-the-art paternal obedience and
compliance class.” Tommy’s mother was worried the government was going to take her
home after her husband’s death, so P.J. and Tommy took control of “Chez Glenn” to
ensure the government wouldn’t get their hands on it, thus protecting their
mom—certainly a testament to how much her sons love her.
Tommy found his way through the doors of some of America’s finer institutions of
learning throughout the Southeastern United States before settling on a career in law

enforcement. Tommy received his Basic Law Enforcement Training and Technology
degree in 1990.
After a brief career behind the badge, Tommy returned to his true love of business. After
years of supervising others’ businesses, he broke out on his own in 2014 with a small
but successful yard and home business, which became The BSL Handyman.
Cyndi was there every step of the way to help, support, and counsel, and never once
doubted Tommy. The secret to their success was two-fold. One, Tommy made it very
clear from the beginning that if the Kansas Jayhawks were playing basketball, then he
was unavailable; and two, they didn’t need to be in each other’s space all the time. They
appreciated their individual hobbies, musical tastes, and TV shows and let each other
remain true to themselves, not pretending to like something just so the other wouldn’t
get upset. Since his dreaded diagnosis in 2020, Cyndi never left Tommy’s side unless
he asked her to step back and take a break for her own health, because that’s how
much he loved her.
Tommy entered hospice palliative care in April 2023. Upon learning that the cancer had
returned for the fourth time, he decided it was time to live on his own terms. He finished
(mostly) remodeling their home, giving Cyndi the kitchen, bath, and office she had
always wanted. Tommy was happiest doing for Cyndi than anything else. He especially
liked to sneak around and do things to surprise her. He proudly said, “That’s why my
presents were always better and my Facebook posts more detailed and timely (lol).”
Local’s Family Diner in Southport was Tommy’s go-to on a daily basis. He calculated
that he averaged 1.65 meals a day there for over seven years!
Please join us for the celebration of Tommy Glenn’s life in Christ on Wednesday,
December 20, 2023 at Southport Baptist Church, 200 N. Howe St., Southport, N.C. The
family will receive guests from 11:30 a.m. and the service will be held at 12:30 p.m.
Attendees are encouraged to share stories and memories. You will notice at the service
that the majority of the kids and family will be wearing Adidas, thus granting them
preferential seating at the service.
The Glenn family has dealt with great difficulties through Tommy’s four years of cancer.
The family asks that donations may be made to the Glenn Memorial Fund at United
Bank on Southport-Supply Rd. in Southport, N.C. where Mrs. Gina Oldam will accept
donations.