Tommy "J. R." "J. R." Glymph, Jr. Jr.

With hearts full of love and sorrow, we celebrate the life of J.R. - Tommy Henry Glymph, Jr., 47, of Pfafftown, NC, who peacefully transitioned into eternal life on July 31, 2025. He was born on May 23, 1978 in Newberry, SC, to the late Tommy H. Glymph, Sr. and Loraine Ingram (Elgin, SC). He was the baby and their only son. J.R. was a logical-mathematical intellect, a man of creative brilliance and dedication, with an unwavering devotion to his family. He shared life with his wife, Ladine Glymph, and their two sons, Ladanian Vasquez and Lincoln Glymph, calling Atlanta, GA home until their journey brought them to Winston-Salem, NC in 2016.

From a young age, it was clear that J.R. was a genius. His mind moved with quiet power, consistently pondering, consistently observing. To know J.R. was to be delightfully challenged with thoughtful perspectives, deep conversations, and genuine interest in life's details. Whether it was trivia about world capitals, obscure movie quotes, or historic "firsts," his love for knowledge went beyond the facts-it was about helping people think, laugh, and connect. He saw the world as a giant playground of curiosity, bursting with wonder and stories just waiting to be discovered.

Baptized at Fellowship Baptist Church and educated in Newberry County public schools, J.R. grew into a stellar athlete and proud member of the Newberry High School class of 1996. He furthered his education and lent his athletic football talents to the University of South Carolina, Hampton University, and Benedict College. His professional journey included BCBS of SC, Pepsi, Herbalife, and up until his passing, TriMark in Winston-Salem, NC. J.R. volunteered as a coach for his son's team, the South Fork Panthers. He enjoyed being in support of his community through charity and time.

J.R. possessed a rare gift for language and artistic expression. He was a relentless seeker of growth, constantly embracing challenges and rediscovering talents from his past like drawing, while rekindling bonds with influential figures in his life. His voice and words carried power, purpose, and poetry. Whether shaping thoughts into prose, rap, or verse, he offered clarity and depth that reflected an extraordinary mind. Through his musical talent, he brought light and joy to those around him, crafting lyrics infused with artistry, genuine heart, and soul. In 2004, he channeled his lyrical brilliance into launching a hip-hop career, emerging as a rising talent under the stage name "Ox." His artistry led to the creation of two albums- "Anomaly" and "OxTales."

In addition to his artistic gifts, J.R. was a visionary entrepreneur. His work ethic, innovation, and dedication were evident in every venture he pursued. Whether building from the ground up or nurturing an idea into reality, he approached business with the same care, creativity, and quiet determination that defined his life.

J.R. also lent his gifts as a sports freelance writer and brought creativity and insight into every article, profile, and game recap. Whether covering local leagues or major championships, his writing captured the drama, grit, and glory of sport while casting his creative voice. He hosted talk radio with NFL Draft Blitz and NFL Draft Central for years prior to podcasting.

He successfully launched two businesses, each born from his sharp mind and independent spirit. He founded Deep(ish) Thoughts in a sports platform designed for sports fans, fantasy players, and analysts. In 2016 he co-founded and launched dEFYLIFe, a media platform where black and brown people display their talents for them to thrive. The foundation of dEFYLIFe is a way to represent a "Lifestyle… Defiant - for those who live outside the box and test the norm. Those who go for it their way! Because, when it's time to shoot that shot, spit that verse or close that deal…The. Only. Voice. That. Matters…IS YOURS!" The brand was expanded when dEFYLIFe Gear clothing line launched three months later. dEFYLIFe later branched off into The dEFYLIFe Podcast Network which produced 22 podcasts over time J.R. played an integral role throughout the process, actively serving as host, co-host or producer, training and mentoring network hosts. He believed in spaces where voices could be heard, and he enjoyed making it happen.

A lifelong and passionate fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers, J.R. cheered with loyalty every season, never missing a chance to root for his team with his black and yellow pride. J.R. loved his family. He carried his loved ones in the core of his being and expressed his care through gestures, loyalty, presence, and connection. He dedicated his life to providing for and uplifting his entire family. J.R. Glymph was a man of strength, integrity, love, and courage. Above all else, he found joy in the success and happiness of his children. He supported his sons through every season of life, with wisdom, patience, and an open heart.

Although words do not capture the fullness of his spirit, we will forever remember the quiet genius, the musical soul, the loving family man, stoic teddy bear, the dear friend and the phenomenal MAN he will always be in our hearts.

In addition to his father, Tommy, Sr., J.R. was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Sallie Jackson Baxter and John Coleman (Margaret) and paternal grandparents Asberry, Sr. and Electia Glymph.

Those who celebrate his life and cherish precious memories include his loving wife, Ladine Glymph, and their two sons, Ladanian Vasquez and Lincoln Glymph; mother, Loraine Ingram and bonus father, Joel Ingram of Elgin, SC; three sisters, Johnnette White (Tommy) of Millstone, NJ, Tonia Walker (Wayne) of Rural Hall, NC and Keisher Glymph of South Carolina; three bonus siblings, Calvin Ingram (High Point, NC), Sharon Ingram (Plainfield, NJ) and Charity Ingram (Martinsville, VA); Mother-In-Law, Marixa Salgado (Victor) of Orlando, FL; Father-In-Law, Jaime Vazquez (Luisa) of East Stroudsburg, PA; three sisters-in-law, Mavrene Montan (Jason), Javeen Barbosa (Samuel Sr.) and Jalisa Vasquez; Four brothers-in-law, Victor Salgado Jr., Jesus Hernandez, Jason Hernandez, and Jonathan Salgado; four uncles, George Glymph, Walter Glymph (Roberta), Jerome Coleman and Charles Gilliam (Hazel); and eleven aunts, Essie Glymph, Leola Glymph, Ernestine Glymph, Elizabeth Peeples, Mary Whipple, Kathy Conely, Hilda Woods (Randy), Marguerite Jackson (Bryan), Johnaye Norton, Nezzie Coleman, Bessie McConnell, and Harriett Wells Kegler; and host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends who will miss him dearly.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 2:30 PM at Galilee Missionary Baptist Church located at 4129 N. Hampton Dr. Winston-Salem, NC. The family will receive friends at 1:30 PM one hour prior to the service.

Family and friends who have decided to join us in celebrating the life and honored homegoing are asked to wear colors reflecting his legacy: dEFYLIFe blue, black and white, and tribute to dEFYLIFe where he proudly served as co-founder.

Live streaming services will be available for those who cannot attend through the following platforms:

Online: www.globalgalilee.org

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@globalgalilee624

Galilee Missionary Baptist Church Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/share/17NZMWFST8/?mibextid=wwXIfr)

Arrangements are entrusted to Douthit Funeral Services 515 Specialty Park Dr., Winston-Salem, NC 27105.

Courtesy announcement by F. B. Pratt and son Funeral Home. Inc.