Glenn Gilbert

Raines, Sr.

Glenn G. Raines, Sr., 89, of Mechanicsville, was born on May 29, 1936, in Raleigh, North Carolina, to Arnetta Louise Glenn Raines and Eulice Raines.

During his early childhood, Glenn moved with his family to Richmond, Virginia, where he was raised in the historic Jackson Ward neighborhood. He spent many summers in Raleigh with his grandfather, whose love of nature, fishing, and birds left a lasting imprint on his life.

A true entrepreneur and pillar of Richmond's Black community, Glenn carried forward the legacy of Glenn's Tavern, established in 1937 and sustained through five generations of the Raines family. As owner of Glenn's Restaurant, he created more than a business—he built a cultural hub and safe gathering place for generations. Known for its welcoming spirit and the phrase, "Meet your friends at Glenn's," it became a cornerstone of community life. Glenn was often found at the bar, connecting with patrons and sharing his passions for golf, fishing, music, and life. He also made history as the first Black restaurateur in Virginia to secure a liquor license for a Black-owned establishment.

His love of golf began in his early twenties alongside his lifelong friend, Lloyd Randolph. Learning the game with borrowed clubs at Spring Lake—the only course available to Black players in the Richmond area at the time—Glenn became an elite golfer and respected instructor. Together, they co-founded the Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range, later part of The First Tee of Richmond, where Glenn mentored inner-city youth and used golf to instill discipline and opportunity. A decorated competitor, he won numerous tournaments and remained devoted to his close-knit group of friends known as "The Golf Men."

Beyond business and golf, Glenn was a man of wide-ranging passions and natural curiosity. He loved music—especially hard rock, R&B, and jazz—enjoyed motorcycles in his younger years, and found peace in the outdoors. A gifted gardener with a true green thumb, he was known for mastering whatever captured his interest.

Glenn shared a deep and loving life with his beloved wife, Cindy Young, finding joy in their home and in the companionship of their dog, Maggie, as well as the fond memories of Ruby and Grace.

In addition to his parents, Glenn was also preceded in death by his sister; brother, Ulysess "Junior" Raines and first wife, Margaret Johnson Raines, the devoted mother of his children, Glenn G. Raines, Jr. and Lelia A. Raines.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Cindy; children, Glenn G. Raines, Jr. and Lelia A. Raines (Horace Davis); grandson, Marc Anthony Heathcock (Kelly McLeod); great-grandchildren, Blake, Elizabeth, and Lillian Heathcock; niece, Linda Raines and her son, Justin Raines; cousin, Earl Raines and a beloved extended family, Sharon Bailey (Dave Bailey) and Greg Young (Cheryl Young).

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at Scott's Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. Interment private.

Glenn's legacy is one of leadership, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to his community. Through his contributions to business, sport, and culture, he opened doors for many and created spaces where people felt seen, welcomed, and inspired.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all whose lives he touched.