Glen Nix

Glen Nix was a hard-working man who lived a life rich in faith and family. A man who believed in kindness, making amends, controlling one's anger, and the practical skills needed to provide for others, Glen knew a lot of people and was well-liked. Never one to shy from a challenge, Glen also enjoyed traveling backroads and reminiscing simpler times. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Glen will long be remembered and so very missed.

1943 marked a time when the war effort in Europe directly impacted all American lives. While countless young people actively served in the trenches of WWII, those who remained stateside poured their energies into supporting the war effort in any way they could. While Ford and GM converted their plants from automobile manufacturing to the building of bombs and aircraft engines, an unprecedented 18 million women proudly worked the manufacturing jobs once held by the men who were now overseas. Providing a sense of respite from the daily struggles, Frank Sinatra and Glenn Miller filled the airways, Lassie Come Home dominated the television, and the musical Oklahoma took the stage on Broadway. For Walter and Edna Nix, it was a particularly exciting time as they welcomed their son, Harold Glen, into their family on February 28 in Decatur, Alabama.

The oldest of the five Nix children, Glen's early years were spent growing up in Alabama. When he was still a young boy, his father died, and his mother moved the family to Michigan in hopes of better work opportunities. Determined to provide for her family, Glen's mother worked as a field worker and on a farm. Her example of perseverance, hard work, and commitment to family proved traits Glen would inherit and build the rest of his life upon.

On December 17, 1961, at the age of 18, Glen married Edeath "Edis" McLemore, who was just 16. The couple first met while they were both working on Papa Charlie's farm in Decatur and were blessed to share over 45 years together. They became the proud parents of six children and worked together to provide their kids with a loving and supportive home. Glen was a strict and loving father whose presence commanded respect and authority.

He was a good provider for his family, often working many different jobs to ensure his family was well cared for. An Energizer bunny, Glen liked to stay busy and was constantly in motion. Never shy about working hard and putting in a full day's work, he primarily worked as a roofer. A skilled roofer, he was proud of his work. In addition to roofing, for 15 years, he worked cleaning at Decoy Duck and Paw Paw Eagles. Some of his other jobs included trimming grapes, delivering newspapers, and working for Roto-Rooter.

While Glen held a job throughout his entire adult life, he also knew how to have a good time. He was the best grill master and enjoyed summertime cookouts, gathering with family, great food, and lots of music. He loved music, played the harmonica, and always had music playing. His favorite tunes were the old-time Country classics. Glen also liked old cars and was constantly tinkering with an old car to keep it running.

Later in life, Glen attended church more regularly. He had a deep faith, trusted the Lord, and in time, was baptized by his grandson Marcus. Faith and family are what carried him through the heartbreaking losses of his wife, Edis, and children, Harold and Wanda, and gave him strength as his health declined in later years.

Though life feels less certain in the absence of Glen's steadfast love and support, may we find much comfort in knowing he has been reunited with his beloved. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying his legacy forward. In each moment we confidently face life's challenges, choose faith over fear, give of our time and talents in service of others, or enjoy gathering with loved ones for barbecues, we celebrate the many ways Glen blessed our lives. In this way, we keep his spirit alive and inspiring others as he so inspired us.

Glen Nix, age 80, died on Saturday, June 2, 2023, in the comforts of his daughter's home in Decatur, Michigan. His family members include his 4 children: Shane Nix of Marcellus, Steve (Mary) Nix of Lawton, Glenda Jordan of Marcellus, and Laura (Mark) Saylor of Decatur. Other members of his family include 13 grandchildren: Justin, Jon, Jacob, Bethany, Levi, Steven, Angel, Kayla, Marcus, Katelynn, Matthew, Joshua, and Brittany; and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son Harold 1989, wife Edis, in 2007; a daughter Wanda Jordan in 2017; daughter-in-law Teresa Nix; a sister Wanda Massengill; and 3 brothers: Grover and Clifton Nix, Richard McLemore.

Life Story Services will be held on Friday, June 9, 2023, at 12 noon at the Betzler & Thompson Life Story Funeral Home, 60900 M-40 Hwy; Paw Paw (269) 657-3870. The family will receive guests one hour prior to the service. Visit Glen's webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com to archive favorite memories and photos and sign his guestbook. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of your choice.