Opinion
04-03-2019
IN MEMORY OF JUDGE DAVID M. (MAC) GLOVER
It is with some irony that David McGee (Mac) Glover was born in Texas, not Arkansas, because the accomplishments that he amassed since calling the Natural State his home were completed with a seemingly supernatural ease. Here is the short list: Eagle Scout, three-sport letterman and student body president of Malvern High School, which did not fully satisfy his interest in governance, so he decided to become student body president of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, where he would also graduate from law school. (Of his two degrees from Northwest Arkansas the judge has quipped, "I am an outstanding mediocre graduate.") Perhaps having some sort of leadership trifecta in mind, Judge Glover would later serve as the Arkansas Bar Association President.
After more than three decades in private practice in Malvern as a third-generation lawyer, an opportunity to sit on the court of appeals arrived when he was elected to serve in 2004. Since that privileged event, Judge Glover has ably and efficiently worked to advance the cause of Justice during a full fourteen years of service on this court. Conference by conference. Case by case. Week in, week out. From day one until his tenure ended unexpectedly, the judge possessed a studious but practical turn of mind and a heart for the court's members and staff. judge Glover kept a small sign in his chamber office, perched on a bookshelf, which reads:
I WANT TO HELP YOU OUT
WHICH WAY DID YOU COME IN
The judge, of course, would always welcome colleagues not show them the door! Speaking of doors, the judge's chamber opened early in the morning and did not close until day's end. And whether you entered to confer with the judge about a case vote or draft opinion, sought the assistance or company of his excellent staff, or just hoped to benefit from the endless pot of coffee, everyone has always been welcomed.
Though even a short list of his accomplishments can trigger pangs of envy, Judge Glover's preeminent (and innate) talent was his ability to relate to people and bring them together. If the law was his vocation, people were his passion. A devoted and loving husband of 51 years, a doting father and grandfather, and a loyal friend, the judge loved and enjoyed people. And they returned the sentiment—some more than and some less than the treasured canines he has helped care for and shown inside the Justice Building now and then.
To Judge Glover's family, we thank you for sharing this great man with us. The time with him has passed too quickly; but we will hold fast to joyful memories. You are in our thoughts and prayers and will remain there. The judge forged a legacy of which all Glovers and Formers may justifiably boast.
To the bench and bar, one of the best among us is gone. Let us dwell not on the loss but on the best traits that Mac Glover exuded as lawyer and judge: a strong work ethic, a disarming and self-effacing sense of humor, an abiding interest in others, and a deep appreciation for how the legal profession affects people's lives.
To the People of the State of Arkansas, for most of his life Judge Glover served his schools, his church, his community, his profession, and most importantly his family and friends. Having had the honor of sitting with him on this court, we wish to tell you in no uncertain terms that Judge Glover fulfilled the Oath of Office with energy, excellence, and fidelity to its letter and spirit. We thank you, the People who twice placed the judge on this court, for allowing us the chance to work with him. The court of appeals is better because Judge David McGee Glover was here.
Finally, to Mac, our colleague and friend: We miss you.
/s/_________
Rita W. Gruber, Chief Judge /s/_________
Raymond R. Abramson /s/_________
Robert J. Gladwin /s/_________
N. Mark Klappenbach /s/_________
Larry D. Vaught /s/_________
Mike Murphy /s/_________
Bart Virden /s/_________
Brandon J. Harrison /s/_________
Phillip T. Whiteaker /s/_________
Kenneth S. Hixson /s/_________
Waymond M. Brown