George L. Glass Jr.

Angels rejoiced as the Reverend Bishop George L. Glass Jr.'s faith ended in sight on Saturday, September 26, 2015. He passed peacefully from this life into his life eternal at the age of 82. He was born to Rev. George L. Glass, Sr. and Clovie Nichols Glass on July 8, 1933, in DeRidder, Louisiana. He graduated from DeRidder High School as senior class president in 1952. After attending Apostolic Bible Institute in St Paul Minnesota, he married the love of his life, J'Nett Burkett, and together they began a beautiful journey which spanned over 60 years. Their ministry began in 1954, when he was privileged to serve alongside his father as associate pastor in Baton Rouge, La. The next five years provided opportunity to pastor churches in Tunica, Bunkie, and Camp 8, Louisiana, before they were led to North Little Rock, Arkansas, in pastorate over eighteen years. In 1978, their journey led them back to DeRidder, Louisiana where they ministered to the congregation of First United Pentecostal Church, and served as Director of Marketplace Ministry for Magnolia Life Insurance and Hixson Funeral Homes, throughout the state of Louisiana. In 1988, he became the pastor of Soul's Harbor in Dry Creek, Louisiana. In 1992, he became the founding pastor of The Ministries of Grace in DeRidder. He was instrumental in establishing churches in surrounding areas, encompassing churches in Dequincy, Reeves, Evans and Sulphur. Among his peers, he was known as the "Pastors' Pastor". He was a true shepherd and a peacemaker, always unhurried, ready to listen, share wisdom and prayers, a counselor and confidant to many. Bro. Glass was blessed with the ability to touch souls like no one else. He ministered to people right where they were, with no judgement, just a smile, a hug, a joke or humorous story. He has left a unique "soul print" on thousands of lives, reaching across the globe. The heart of this humble and great man was simply loving people with the Love of God. His time in the pulpit was just a small thread woven thoughout the tapestry of his ministry. It was time spent visiting and serving people He most cherished. He was gifted in putting people at ease, knowing when to show up, when to speak, when to be silent, always offering his unique love and compassion. He was a recognized and respected face at local and regional hospitals, supporting people through difficult times, content to share conversation with those around him while waiting for that fresh pot of coffee to brew. His many phone calls consisted of, "This is Bro. Glass, just checking to see how you are doing", and always ending with, "I love you". He lived for those around him. He lived to give, he gave to leave, he left to build, and he built to change. Those who continue his legacy are his wife, J'Nett Burkett Glass; sons George Lee Glass and wife Karen, and Gregg Glass; grandsons, Steven Ross (Jessica), and George "Lee" Glass, II; great grandchildren Noah, Arielle, and Farrah Ross: one brother, James Glass and wife Mary; two nieces Judy Taylor (Bob) and Vicki Plyante (Jeff); two great-nieces, two great nephews; and a world of family and friends. Visitation for friends and family will be Thursday, October 1, 2015, from noon until 6 p.m. Celebration of his Life will begin at 6:30 p.m., at Grace, 1021 W. First St., DeRidder, Louisiana. Homegoing Internment service will follow at Noon on Friday, at Beauregard Cemetery, Highway 171 South, DeRidder, Louisiana. In memorial to Bishop Glass, tributes may be directed to his favorite ministry, Soul Soup by Grace, a community soup kitchen; Grace Building Fund; or other ministry of choice.