Longtime judge Burton Dunn Glover dies at 85

Springfield, Tennessee (Smokey Barn News) – Judge Burton Dunn Glover, a prominent figure in Robertson County, passed away on June 10, 2024 after a brief illness. He was 85 years old.

A life of service and sacrifice

Born January 3, 1939, to Burton Wilks Glover and Mary Louise Dunn Glover, Judge Glover was a native of Springfield. He graduated from Battle Ground Academy in Franklin, Tennessee and earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern University in Sewanee, Tennessee. During his undergraduate studies, he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity and the Order of the Gownsmen academic society. He later earned his juris doctor degree from the Nashville School of Law.

After his father died during his senior year of college, Judge Glover took over the Glover Auto Company, a car dealership founded by his grandfather, H. B. Glover. He later became a partner in the Barber Motor Company, another car dealership in Springfield. His career path changed when he decided to pursue law school, eventually serving as a District Court judge and juvenile judge in Robertson County. During his tenure, he was elected Chief Justice of the Tennessee Juvenile Court and was instrumental in establishing the Robertson County Compensation Court.

After retiring, Judge Glover continued to serve his community as a Robertson County Commissioner and maintained a private law practice. He also ran Hereford Hills Farm, a family farm founded by his grandfather that had been raising cattle, tobacco and other crops for over a century.

“All of us were saddened to hear of the death of former General Sessions Judge Burton Glover. I knew Burton for over 50 years. After retiring in 2014, he served as a district commissioner. I believe he is honest, insightful and determined to make a positive difference for our community. Once he accepted a position, he never wavered from it. All three of his children were my students at Springfield High. All three of them became respected professionals. Two of them are doctors and one is an army colonel. Their success says a lot about Burton and his wife Suzanne as parents. His passing left a great void in our district. His legacy lives on.” Former Robertson County Mayor Howard Bradley

A man of many interests

Judge Glover had a wide range of interests, including athletics, heavy equipment, motorcycles, muscle cars, boating and skiing. He was an avid supporter of the Springfield Yellow Jackets, Tennessee Vols and Vanderbilt Commodores. He was known for his love of German Shepherds, several of which preceded him in death.

He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Springfield, the Robertson County Bar Association, the New Chapel Men’s Club, and served as a trustee of the Glenn Memorial Women’s Clubs.

Survivors and memorial donations

Judge Glover is survived by his wife of 54 years, Suzanne Cook Glover; his children, Col. (Ret.) Burton Cook (Anna) Glover of Tampa, Florida, Dr. William Bryan Glover of Nashville, Tennessee, and Dr. Annie Glover (Phil) Spicer of Springfield.

Active pallbearers will be Mac Baggett Jr., Chuck Browning, Thad Corbin, Terry Grant, Chief Jason Head and Michael Nixon. Honorary pallbearers include Bobby Dean Bagby, Mac Baggett Sr., Roger Blackwood, Denny Choate, Johnny Crabtree, Wayne Jones, Steve Moss, Dr. Bill Shasteen, Ted Stubblefield, David Thomas, Jeff Walker, Winfield Wilkins and Dr. Teresa Williams.

The Glover family requests that donations be made to the First United Methodist Church of Springfield or the charity of your choice.

A service for Glover was held on Friday, June 14, 2024 at 1:00 p.m., at First United Methodist Church, Springfield, with the Rev. Jason Jones officiating.