David Dayne Glass, 84, of Bentonville, AR, died Thursday, January 9, from complications associated with pneumonia. David was born in New Liberty, MO, on September 2, 1935, the son of the late Marvin and Myrtle Glass.
David's career in business and Major League Baseball is truly legendary, but those who knew him best knew that his number one priority throughout his entire life was his love and commitment to his family.
David is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruth Ann as he fondly called her; son Don Glass and his wife Tammie and grandson Darian; son Dan Glass and his wife Penny and grandchildren Dayne, Danielle, Audrey, Autumn and Weston; daughter Dayna Martz and her husband Phil and grandchildren Kyle, Cameron and MacKenzie; and 12 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Dick Glass of Mountain View, Mo., along with several nieces and nephews.
David grew up and attended school in Mountain View, MO. After graduating from high school David served in the U.S. Army from 1954-56. After leaving the Army David earned a business degree from Southwest Missouri State University, now named Missouri State University, in Springfield, MO.
Upon graduation David began his first career, a career in retail, in 1960 with Crank Drug Company in Springfield. After working for several other companies, including serving as General Manager of Consumer Markets in Springfield, David was recruited by Sam Walton to become Walmart's Chief Financial Officer in 1976.
David was named President and CEO of Walmart in 1988 and served in that role for 12 years. David led a period of extraordinary growth at Walmart both in terms of revenues and expansion including retail acquisitions, expansions including new retail formats and significant international expansion. He also led a team of managers who adopted new innovative technologies to streamline operations and customer service. Those who worked closely with David were also frequently reminded that "retail is detail" and that you always have to think like the customer.
David was honored with numerous retail and business awards over the years, including being named "most admired CEO" in 1993 by Fortune Magazine, and was inducted into the Retail Hall of Fame in 2000 and into the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame.
A lifelong baseball fan starting as a child when he followed the St, Louis Cardinals, David dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player. He told people he soon realized he was too slow and couldn't hit the ball very well and thought he better find another profession. Upon the death of Kansas City Royals owner, Ewing Kauffman, he was appointed interim Chairman and CEO of the Royals. David and his family acquired the Royals in 2000 and it was at that time that he began his second career at age 64 and fulfilling his baseball dream, but as a professional baseball owner instead of player.
Under David's leadership, the Royals made two consecutive trips to the World Series and in 2015 the team brought the World Championship trophy to the fans of Kansas City. During his ownership of the Royals, David was an active member in Major League Baseball and served on key committees within the Major League organization. David was the Chairman of the Board of MLB Advanced Media, a member of Major League Baseball's Executive Council and a member of the MLB Enterprises and Finance Committee.
He was elected to the Board of Directors of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in July 2000, where he served as a member of the Pension and Audit Committee.
Whether it was retail, baseball or family, David was a mentor and leader to many who are leading successful careers and lives of their own. He always reminded those he mentored that "life is a great education if you can afford the tuition." He lived by that advice as well.
David was immensely loyal to his friends and colleagues. He had a quick wit and quite a sense of humor that always had you laughing or on guard. He was a devoted husband, dad and grandpa. Whether it was planning the next family dinner or event, it was always a family affair. He was especially active as "grandpa" and there are so many special memories including riding go-carts at the local track, allowing the grandchildren to wrap rolls of tape around his face, or he and Ruth riding through the neighborhood in his 1956 Ford T-Bird convertible dressed as Batman and Robin on Halloween. He always had a good time with his family.
David and his family have been supportive of numerous charitable causes and organizations throughout the years, including his alma mater Missouri State University. David also served on a number of boards throughout his life and most recently served on the Board of Directors of the Cooper Institute in Dallas, TX.
David was truly a remarkable man who has left a lasting legacy for so many that knew him and a life of memories that his family will forever cherish.
The Glass family will hold a public "Celebration of Life" in David's honor on Monday, January 27, 2020, at 1 p.m.at the Northwest Arkansas Fellowship Bible Church, 1051 W. Pleasant Grove Road in Rogers, AR. Given the family's commitment to children's charities and causes over the years, in lieu of flowers they request that memorials be made in David's honor to a children's cause or charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made to bentoncountyfuneralhome.com Benton County Funeral Home, 306 N. 4th, Rogers, Arkansas.
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