1942-2026
Gordon Glenn Babb, age 84, of Pine Bluff, finished his last race on earth Thursday, April 2, 2026. He quietly loved both his family and friends. He and his wife, Betty prayed every day for their life together to be filled with peace, patience, strength for the day, and above all else, love.
Born February 28, 1942 in Texarkana, Arkansas, he was the son of the late Amory V. Babb and Mildred Atchley Babb while they resided in Prescott. The family moved to Ashdown and later settled in Stephens where Glenn excelled in academics and sports. During his senior year in 1960, he was the first Arkansas Athlete to run the 880-yard race in less than two minutes (1 minute and 59.4 seconds) to be exact in the Arkansas Meet of Champs.
Glenn was awarded a four-year scholarship to the University of Arkansas, where he graduated with a physical education and health sciences degree in 1964. He played on the freshman Razorback basketball team, ran cross country, and lettered three years in track. Later, he returned to earn a master’s degree in educational administration.
His career in education began in El Dorado, where he coached at Barton Junior High. He and Betty moved to Pine Bluff in 1969 to begin working for the Pine Bluff School District. First, he worked as principal at Trice Junior High School, Southeast Junior High School, then at Southeast Seventh Grade School. Next, he was the district’s Activity Director and then worked for the Watson Chapel School District. Subsequently, he returned to the Pine Bluff district as assistant superintendent for business affairs. He was known as “The Rock” by his coworkers.
After 33 years in the field of education, Glenn retired in 1997 to begin a life filled with golf, fishing, hunting, traveling with his wife, and attending his grandchildren’s activities. Many Razorback sporting events also kept them on the road. He was honored in June of 2013 by being inducted into the Arkansas Track and Field Hall of Fame.
Glenn was a member of Lakeside United Methodist Church since 1969, where he filled many positions. He was an active leader and a man of inner strength and commitment with a talent for organization and decision making. Glenn also served on the board of Trinity Village Retirement Community and was its president in 2018-2019.
He married Betty Poole Babb on August 18, 1963 in Camden, and they spent 62 ½ years together. Other survivors include his children, LaNelle Babb Mitchell (Chris) of Sheridan and Jim Babb (Marc) of Oakland Park, FL; two grandchildren, Lauren Conrad (Anna) and Logan Mitchell (Mackenzie); and his siblings, Gail Cooper (James), Jarrell Babb (Remy), and Phyllis Smith (John).
A celebration of his life will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 beginning with a reception in the fellowship hall of Lakeside United Methodist Church at 11:30 a.m. The service will follow in the sanctuary at 12:30 p.m. with Rev. Sara Pair officiating. Private burial will be in Bellwood Annex Cemetery.
The family wishes to extend their thanks to Glenn’s caregiver, L’Kela Young.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lakeside United Methodist Church, 1500 S. Olive Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71601; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
