Glynn Arrington

Mr. Glynn L Arrington, 34 days short of his 95th birthday, of Hoover, AL died on June 5, 2013. Glynn was born in Quitman, Mississippi, on July 9, 1918, to John and Annie Laura Arrington. After graduation from high school, he came to Birmingham to work. He was called into service on June 27, 1941, and was among the first draftees to be allowed to join the paratroops in August 1941, Class 9. He taught packing to the new enlisted men for two years. From January 1942 until May of 1942, he was a part of "The Provisional Parachute Group," The Parachute Section of The Infantry School and last, The First Academic Company. Glynn went overseas in August of 1944, just in time for Operation Market Garden. He participated in "The Battle of The Bulge" and was wounded on February 4th, 1945. He was one of eighteen survivors of over two and a half companies in The Battle for Cheneaux, Belgium. He was awarded The Senior Parachutist Badge, Rigger's Badge, The Purple Heart, The Bronze Star Medal, European Theatre Medal with three battle stars and one invasion arrowhead, Occupation Medal, French and Belgium Fourragere, Dutch Order of Orange and several other unit medals. He served four and a half years. Returning to Birmingham after occupation duty in Berlin, he fell in love with "the girl next door" Frances Henderson, and they were married on November 9, 1946. He retired from Alagasco after 32 years service. He and Frances returned to the battlefields of Europe twice and also visited each of the fifty states. Despite suffering from frostbite in his feet and legs, he and Frances enjoyed traveling and celebrating special occasions in Florida and in the mountains with family and long-time friends. He and Frances are former members of Lakewood Baptist Church and are now members at Hunter Street Baptist Church. In more recent years, they enjoyed their new friends and activities at the Hoover Senior Center. He loved his family and he is survived by his wife of 66 years, Frances; daughters Peggy Chastain, Glynda Wright and Donna Arrington; grandchildren Deborah Chastain and Jason Wright (Jessica); and great-grandchildren, Ashley Jones, Cameron Benefield and Connor Dodson; also niece, Marilyn Merchant and nephew, Bobby Merchant; and a host of friends who along with his family will miss his corny jokes. The family will receive friends Monday, June 10, 2013, from 10-11 AM at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home with services following at 11 AM. Interment will be at Alabama National Cemetery at 12:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to John Croyle Foundation or Wounded Warrior Project.