Mr. John D. Gladney Sr.

John D. Gladney Sr. was born on July 13, 1937, to loving parents, RD. Gladney and Ruby Webb, in Kosciusko, Mississippi. John D. was the second eldest child of five children born to this union. John D. was a senior in high school, and while attending a church function, he saw a young lady named Shirley Temple Wilks. He went home later that day and told his parents he was going to marry that "little girl" one day. He graduated from Tipton Street High School, Kosciusko, MS in 1956, and moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. John D. never forgot his promise to his high school sweetheart. After Shirley graduated from high school, he returned to Mississippi and married her on November 29, 1959, in Shirley's family home. HIS FAITH John D. accepted Christ at an early age, was baptized, and attended Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist church in Kosciusko, MS. In 1976, he united with Bethel Baptist Church in Milwaukee, WI, under the leadership of the (late) Pastor Leonard McDonald. In 2006, John D. united with Progressive Baptist Church, under the leadership of (retired) Reverend Dr. Roland Womack, and supported and maintained his membership underthe leadership of Pastor Walter J. Lanier. HIS LIFE After their marriage, John D. and Shirley returned to Milwaukee, where he received training as an automotive technician at Milwaukee Area Technical College. With his training, John D. went on to work at Goodyear Auto, Sears Auto Repair, and Amco Transmission. His love for repairing vehicles became his hobby and he was known as the neighborhood mechanic. John D. always knew he wanted to be his own boss, so in 1969, he purchased his first semi truck and became an owner operator, driving across the country for over 30 years. He retired from trucking in 2001, and although he said he was only going to "dress and rest", he went on to help his wife, Shirley, open Primrose Residential Facility Inc., which continues to serve disabled adults in the Milwaukee area. John D. always loved pets, so when Arlene gifted her father a dog after his retirement, he was very excited. John D. named him Blacky, and they became inseparable. John loved to talk all the time, and he could out talk anyone; and if "Old Granddad" was around, he could talk all night. He was always full of wisdom, stories, and advice. John D. shared a special relationship with his late cousin, George Gladney. He helped George and his family move to Milwaukee, and their families shared many special times together. John D. and George enjoyed working on cars, household projects, and spoke on the phone daily. John D. was a very generous and loving husband and father. He took pride in making sure Shirley and their children always had what they needed. John D. will be missed dearly, and we would like to leave you with one of his favorite sayings: "Be good, be kind, and may the good Lord take a liking to you". John D. Gladney Sr. departed this life for his eternal rest on Saturday, March 2, 2024. He was preceded in death by his: son, John Christopher Gladney; parents, R.D. and Ruby Gladney; sister, Mary Prosser; brothers-in-law, James Prosser and Isaac Cross; and nephew, James Prosser Jr. (Puddin). He leaves to cherish his memory: loving and devoted wife of 64 years, Shirley; 2 daughters, Arlene (Melvin) Chones of Milwaukee, WI and Lisa (Kenneth) Blanchard of Menomonee Falls, WI; 1 son, John (Alandria) Gladney Jr. of Milwaukee, WI; 9 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 2 sisters, Sarah Cross of Fort Wayne, IN and Minnie (Ural) Hubbard of Colorado Springs, CO; 1 brother, Esau (Mary) of Kosciusko, MS; 3 brothers-in-law, Tim Wilks and Willie (Deborah) Wilks, both of Milwaukee, WI, and Ricky (Mary) Wilks of Memphis, TN; 1 sister-in-law, Iria Wilks of Colorado Springs, CO; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Mr. John D. Gladney Sr.

July 13, 1937 - March 2, 2024