DANIEL “BUTCH” LOUIE GLASS, JR., 77, a lifelong servant to his community and dedicated member of Dante Rescue Squad for fifty-seven years, departed this life on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
Dan was born May 30, 1949, to the late Daniel and Irene Hileman Glass. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Sherry Kennedy and Zona Austin.
Dan was a lifelong learner, completing continuing education hours even on the day of his hospitalization. Throughout his life, he earned numerous certificates, credentials, and degrees from Ferrum College, Emory & Henry University, Radford University, and Virginia Tech.
Dan devoted his professional career to education as a teacher, coach, and principal. He retired from Russell County Public Schools in 2012 after touching the lives of countless students and colleagues. He also played a key role in establishing Russell County’s school safety and active shooter preparedness program. While he coached all boys’ high school sports, baseball held a special place in his heart. As head baseball coach at Castlewood High School for thirteen years, he led the Blue Devils to the 1986 Virginia State Championship and was honored as Coach of the Year.
Dan’s father was instrumental in founding Dante Rescue Squad in 1968. That same year, Dan joined the organization and remained an active volunteer until the time of his passing. Anyone who knew Dan knew that the rescue squad was his passion and the cause for which he fought hardest, even through his own health challenges.
Dan was far more than a volunteer—he dedicated his life to serving others. Over the course of his service, he responded to more than 13,000 emergency calls, never billing a patient or accepting compensation for his efforts. His commitment extended well beyond answering calls. He devoted countless hours serving as Captain, managing finances, organizing fundraisers, maintaining ambulances and facilities, mentoring new volunteers, teaching emergency services, and ensuring the continued success of the squad he loved so dearly. For many, Dan was the voice on the radio, the first face through the door in a crisis, and the steady presence people could count on when they needed help most.
Those left to cherish his memory include his son, Jarred Glass and wife, Carla; his daughter, Jari Glass and husband, Jim Bean; one sister, Tess Halloway and husband, Raymond; one brother, Dave Glass and wife, Gerry; a special nephew, Mike Austin; and his pride and joy, his grandson, Caiden Glass.
Funeral Services for Daniel “Butch” Louie Glass, Jr, were conducted at 7:00 p.m., Monday, June 22, 2026, at Castlewood Funeral Home Chapel, Castlewood, Virginia, with Pastor Scott Moore officiating. The eulogy was delivered by his dear friend, Mike Roberson. Committal Service and Interment was conducted at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Temple Hill Memorial Park, Castlewood, Virginia. Family and friends met at the funeral home at 10:00 a.m. and went in procession to the cemetery leaving at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday. Pallbearers were Dr. Paul Phillips, Craig Mullins, Tommy Mullins, T.J. York, as well as his nephews, Mike Austin, Steve Austin, Marty Halloway, and Rodney Kennedy. Honorary Pallbearers were men Dan deeply admired for their friendship, character, and the way they lived their lives: Mike Roberson, Larry Shortt, and Ray Spenilla.
The family received friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., Monday, June 22, 2026, at Castlewood Funeral Home, Castlewood, Virginia.
Flowers will be accepted; however, those wishing to honor Dan’s memory may do so in one of the following ways:
1. Volunteer in your community.
2. Share memories and stories for a keepsake album by emailing .
3. Make a monetary donation to Calvary Baptist Church, 1667 Calvary Baptist Road, Castlewood, VA 24224; Hamlin Baptist Church, P.O. Box 689, St. Paul, Virginia 24283; or Riverside Baptist Church, P.O. Box 25, Castlewood, Virginia 24224, in appreciation for the years of faithful support these churches have provided to Dante Rescue Squad.
4. Make a monetary donation to a pulmonary fibrosis research organization of your choice.
Dan and his family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all members of Dante Rescue Squad—past, present, and future—for their dedication and service.
May your life be a testament to the belief that true service is not measured by wealth or recognition received, but by the lives touched—just as Dan exemplified throughout his life.
Online condolences may be sent to the Glass family through our website and a video tribute may be viewed at www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com. Castlewood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
