Dr. Ira Glenn Bottoms, Jr., age 76, passed away Friday, May 12, 2023 at Atrium Health Cleveland. Born in Decatur, Georgia on December 14, 1946, he was the son of the late Ira Glenn Bottoms, Sr. and Emily Blackmon Bottoms. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his daughter, Debra Ritter and grandson James Spencer Ritter.
Glenn is survived by his wife of 54 years Nancy Rogers Bottoms. Glenn is also survived by a daughter Christine A. Robinson and a son Ira Glenn Bottoms, III (Sheryl). Also left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren, Ebony Verdelle Apolonia Wilson, James Nari Kalif Mayo, Ira Glenn Bottoms, IV and Carolynn Elizabeth Bottoms, as well as, his 4 brothers Richard Bottoms, William Bottoms, Robert Bottoms, Joseph Bottoms and sister Mary Bottoms.
"Glenn told me some years ago that he would like the hymn "Make Me a Blessing" sung at his funeral. That is a fitting hymn for him for that is the way he lived his life. When we were first married, we made a commitment that we would serve God in the ways that help, not harm, all of His children. We have striven to keep that commitment. Through the fifty-four years of our marriage we have been blessed with the gifts of being able to love and forgive. It is our hope that we have passed on our God-given blessings. Glenn also had the gifts of laughter and memory. He remembered his students by name and year and what they went on to do after graduation. He hugged them, joked with them, and asked with genuine interest how they were doing whenever and wherever he encountered them--always. God made him a blessing to all he knew. I thank God for him, for his children, for his grandchildren, and for his closest brothers Bill and Rick, and we all wish he were still with us in body as well as soul. I love you, Glenn."
We are giving him not a funeral, but a celebration of life, and we probably will not sing this hymn, but here are the words that express his desire, commitment, and that he felt God's commandment for him.
From the Broadman Hymnal, 1940
Verse One - Out in the highways and byways of life, Many are weary and sad.
Carry the sunshine where darkness is rife, Making the sorrowing glad.
Verse Three - Give as 'twas given to you in your need, Love as the Master loved you.
Be to the helpless helper indeed, Unto your mission be true.
Chorus - Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing, Out of my life may Jesus shine; Make me a blessing, O Saviour, I pray, Make me a blessing to someone today.
A celebration of life service will be held 2:00 PM Saturday, May 20, 2023 in the sanctuary of Boiling Springs Baptist Church with Rev. Keith Dixon officiating. The family will receive friends following the service in the Family Life Center.
Memorial Service donations may be made in his memory to the Union Baptist Church Mission Fund: 3800 Polkville Rd., Shelby, NC 28150.
Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com
Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family. |
