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Atlanta, Georgia

Glenn Zell Obituary

ZELL, Glenn Glenn Zell, passed away Sunday, November 24, 2019 shortly after turning 85-years old. Born and raised in the Bronx, he graduated NYU in 1954. After serving in the Korean Theater after graduating, he returned to New York where he met his future wife Gloria Wynne. They were engaged six weeks later. After marrying, they settled in Atlanta where he decided to attend law school at Emory University graduating in 1965. Joining the Bar, he was a staunch defender of the Constitution helping found the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, which is now one of the largest defense bars in the country. A big believer in representing those most in need, he successfully defended three people facing execution. Possessing a brilliant legal mind, he argued three cases in the United States Supreme Court. One of his arguments so impressed Justice Byron White that Justice White personally wrote him a letter praising his performance at oral argument. After actively practicing law for 45 years and representing thousands of clients, he retired. As the child of immigrant parents with no formal schooling, he firmly believed in obtaining a strong education, and one of his most satisfying accomplishments was providing his children the opportunity to earn college and graduate degrees. Glenn was preceded in death by his brother Ira Zell and his beloved wife Gloria his partner in marriage for more than 40 years until her death in 2002. Glenn is survived by his three children and their spouses, Jeffrey Joseph Zell (Lara), Rodney Samuel Zell (Jennifer), Barbara Zell Kaufman (Dan), and his eight, adoring grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations in Glenn's memory may be made to American Parkinson Disease Association or Alzheimer's Association. A graveside funeral was held at 10:00 AM on November 26th at Crest Lawn Memorial Park in Atlanta with Rabbi Joshua Heller officiating. Arrangements by Dressler's Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Dec. 1, 2019.

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5 Entries

Alan Ray White

November 26, 2024

Glenn was my attorney in the 1980's and represented a number of my friends and clients. He was also my friend. I watched him in court many times. Judges loved him. Law is an area of my interest and, for my money, Glenn Zell was one of the best criminal minds I've ever met. I loved his sort of off center sense of humor. I am so sorry to hear that he has left us.

Travise Farmer

June 30, 2022

Glenn a genius at best ! very smart and brilliant at his craft He is one of the Best attorneys that I know !! I am thankful to have met him he was very active and while I was 18 and he was much older around 1992 I could barely keep up with him as we walked through the downtown area to discuss my case :) He made a lasting impression on me that gave me courage and strength. He crossed my mind and I wanted to check on him .He will truly be missed.My condolences to the family.

March 2, 2020

Glenn represented many of my clients over the course of many years. He was one of the best criminal attorneys in America and I adored working with him. He was very smart and very funny when he wanted to be. Judges loved him. R.I.P. my friend.

February 1, 2020

That is so strange something told me to look him up tonight I am deeply heartbroken he was my attorney for a long time he was a very good man soooo sorry to hear that

Partly Cloudy

December 21, 2019

Glenn was smart and funny and a great lawyer. I saw the appellate judges in Georgia believe everything Glen said because Glen always told the truth. And Glen knew all criminal law too. He was great as a friend and v as a lawyer and he drove the solicitor crazy.

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Dressler's Jewish Funeral Care

3734 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd. P.O. Box 80647, Atlanta, GA 30341

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