George Thomas Glass, Jr.
On September 8, 2021, Tommy Glass went home to be with the Lord after a short but fierce illness. He knew where he was going and who was going to meet him at the gate so, as was typical, he had no fear.
Born in Santa Barbara to George Sr. and Ruby Glass, Tommy attended local schools graduating in 1965 from Santa Barbara High.
He was offered a number of football scholarships and accepted one to
University of Texas but returned to SB the end of his first year. In 1967 Uncle Sam invited him to an event in Vietnam. He earned three Purple Hearts for being wounded on the battlefield and was also awarded the AMC for Valor and the Distinguished Service Medal.
He graduated Cum Laude from UCSB and in short order was involved in politics as a campaign manager and aide to former SB Mayor Don MacGillivray who introduced him to then Governor Ronald Reagan. From there he was swept into the national political arena, which positioned him perfectly for his future career.
Tom and Pamela Soto married in 1982. A long history as friends since 2 nd grade, Tommy instantly became a parent to David and Deanna. The family moved to Palos Verdes and eventually Tom opened his own political consulting firm in Torrance.
Tom was a huge Gaucho basketball supporter and drove from wherever he was to all the games. The day March Madness dates were announced, hotel reservations were made, and the days blocked for the annual Vegas trip with his college friend, Gary Burke.
In January of 2004 a family crisis changed Tommy’s whole life focus. Dropping to his knees he promised God if you will answer this prayer, I will serve you the rest of my life. The prayer was answered and from that moment, Tom dedicated his life to the Lord. He retired early with Pam at his side, bought an RV, traveled, and pondered what the next chapter would bring.
November 2005 our journey as grandparents began. Over the next few years three perfect, beautiful grandsons, Benjamin, Dominick and Jonah were born. And new adventures were at hand including many trips in the RV to the East Coast, National Parks, the Glass Ranch in Texas, and the favorite, Disney World. Sadly, Jonah was too young for that one.
During this time, with the blessing of Pastor James Kinzler, Tom started Victorious Life Bible study, aka “The Monday Night Group”, at Coast Community Church of the Nazarene. This became a weekly year-round gathering for more than 10 years. In May of 2021 Tom taught his 594 th lesson before leaving on vacation.
A few years ago, Tom started teaching at the SB Rescue Mission, which turned out to be one of his favorite commitments.
Tommy was greatly loved and he will be greatly missed but there is no doubt that Jesus met him at Heaven’s Gate and said, “Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!”
Tommy is survived by his wife Pam, children David and Deanna, grandsons Benjamin, Dominick and Jonah, mother Ruby, who refers to Tommy as “the smart son”, and brothers Ron and Rick.
Tom’s service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 23rd at Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapel on Ward Memorial in Goleta. The family requests Hawaiian attire or bright colors. In lieu of flowers a donation to Ventura Black Sheep c/o Eric Roberts, 120 N. La Cumbre Rd. #1, Santa Barbara, CA 93110 or the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission, 535 E Yanonali St., SB 93103 is requested.