Olvis “Vanny” Glaze Jr.

Olvis Vanburn Glaze Jr, known to friends and family as Vanny, passed from this life into his eternal reward on April 27, 2025.  Vanny is now made whole again, telling stories and talking about farming with all his friends and family that greeted him when he entered Glory.

Vanny was born March 20, 1944, to Olvis Vanburn Sr. (Van) and Lucy Glaze in Lamesa, TX.  He was raised and lived in Tarzan, TX.  He attended Grady ISD through the eighth grade and then Flower Grove, where he graduated in 1962.  He joined the National Guard in 1964 and proudly served until 1972.

Vanny met the love of his life, Mary Ann Richardson, while “riding the square” in Lamesa.  They were married three months later on October 25, 1969, in O’Donnell, TX.  They had two children, Regenia and Scott.  Their 56-year marriage was a testament to their family and friends of a Christian marriage.

Farming was Vanny’s occupation, but it was much more than a job for him.  He loved the land he was given to work and his John Deere tractors.  He also co-owned Glaco Oil and Gas in Tarzan and Stanton.

Vanny was a devout Christian and a lifelong member of the Tarzan Church of Christ, where he served as a Sunday school teacher and leader of the congregation.

Anyone who knew Vanny knew his love for visiting and storytelling.  He never met a stranger and loved to talk farming and reminisce with whomever would listen.  He loved his community.

Vanny loved his family deeply.  He never missed an opportunity to watch his kids and grandkids participate in their many activities.  He especially found great joy in watching his grandkids play sports.  He would travel near and far so as not to miss their events.  His great grandchildren brought him comfort later in life when he had to slow down.  He loved to have them sit with him in his rocking chair and enjoy a Coke and chocolate cake while watching one of his favorite Westerns on TV.

Vanny is preceded in death by his parents, O.V. Glaze Sr. and Lucy Glaze, sister, Cindy Glaze and great grandson, Cameron Hunt.

Vanny is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; his children, Regenia Hunt and husband Lance, Scott Glaze and his wife Wendy; his grandchildren, Andrew Hunt (Stacy), Chelsey Brantley (Ryan), Brett Glaze (Shayla), Faith Quaid (Josh), and Emily Fitzgerald (Zac); his great grandchildren, Aubree Hunt, Alice Brantley, Scarlett Hunt, Emmalynn Brantley, Aleigha Brantley, Kollie Glaze, Katherine Brantley, Reese Fitzgerald, Eleanore Brantley, Ryker Quaid, Kylie Glaze, and Ridge Fitzgerald.  He is also survived by his sisters, Maryetta Oaks (Burt) and Leatrice Adams (Micheal).

Memorials may be sent to a charity of your choice.

The family will receive guests from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, May 1, 2025 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home.  Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, May 2, 2025 at Resthaven Memorial Park.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle &Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.

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