Freddie Max Glaze

Freddie Max Glaze
Tuscaloosa - Freddie Max Glaze, 81, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, December 13. A native of Arkadelphia, AR and longtime resident of Tuscaloosa, Fred (Big Daddy) was preceded in death by his parents, Winston and Mary Jane Glaze and wife, Connie Belle Glaze. He is survived by his wife of 25 years Gayle Garner Glaze, daughter Marti Woodson (Frank), sons Grayson Glaze (Wendy), Steven Barr (Virginia) and Bryan Barr, grandchildren Walker Glaze Woodson, Winston Belle Woodson, Franklin Reid Woodson, Hamilton Shaw Woodson, James Carlton Sims III, Wilson Bailey Glaze, Caroline Grayson Glaze, Bradley Justin Barr, and Braxton Keith Barr.
A lifelong educator with a passion for students, recreation, and real estate development, Fred earned his PhD in Recreation and Resources Development from Texas A&M University after receiving his Masters of Education from the University of Arkansas, where he coached football under Frank Broyles. Fred was a distinguished military graduate of Henderson State University where he was an Intercollegiate All-Conference football and baseball player. He served his country as a Captain in the U.S. Army Reserves and as a Special Services Officer (Athletic Director), Fort Jackson, SC. Fred arrived in Tuscaloosa to work for The University of Alabama (1971-1978) where he served a split appointment between the College of Education, Office of Student Affairs, and Athletic Department. He was the founder/director of University Recreation. Fred fondly remembered his time at the University, where he worked closely with Paul "Bear" Bryant and Sam Bailey on several campus initiatives. He began his real estate career with Sealy Realty where he served as general manager, broker, project developer, and founder/director of the Sealy Real Estate School. Later, he was a broker with multiple real estate ventures including Glaze-Garrison Real Estate, Glaze & Associates Realtors, and True North Real Estate LLC.
In 1989, Fred was the recipient of both Tuscaloosa and Alabama REALTOR of the Year. He served as President of the Tuscaloosa Association of REALTORS in addition to many other committees. He was an Alabama REALTORS liaison member that established the Alabama Real Estate Research & Education Center and the AAR Chair of Real Estate.
Next to God, family was the most precious thing in his life. Big Daddy had a one of a kind, booming personality, never met a stranger, and genuinely loved all people. Fred was a life mentor to many as a coach, professor, and real estate professional. He was a master of space utilization and design - from open lots to beautiful homes, office space, and commercial properties. Fred loved every holiday, especially Christmas - always wanting to light up his home to share the many blessings of the Season. He will be missed from our sight, but never from our hearts.
The family will have a private celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the University of Alabama's College of Continuing Studies - Connie B. Glaze Memorial Endowed Scholarship (Box 870388, Tusc. AL 35487) or the College of Business - Alabama Center for Real Estate (ACRE) Endowed Student Support Fund (Box 870318, Tusc. AL 35487).