Ronald N. "Ron" Glass, 50, of Gordonville died Thursday, Sept. 25, 2003, at his home, after a hard-fought battle with cancer.

He was born June 1, 1953, at Poplar Bluff, Mo., son of Roy L. and M. Iverne Lynxwiler Glass. He and Emy Kay Mirly were married Sept. 30, 1972, in Cape Girardeau.

Ron was a 1971 graduate of Central High School, and attended Southeast Missouri State University.

He was a salesman at Jim Wilson Co. 26 years, before becoming purchasing manager for Manac Trailers (formerly CPS) in Oran, Mo. The family also owns G&G Furniture and Racing Collectibles in Jackson.

Ron's love of NASCAR racing led him to build his hobby into the largest NASCAR collectibles business between St. Louis and Memphis. He formed many long-lasting friendships.

Ron's greatest joy came from coaching his four sons throughout their athletic careers. He was a member of the Church of Christ.

Survivors include his wife, Emy; his parents of Pocahontas; four sons, Ronald "Neil" Glass II and wife Amie of Jackson, Kyle Ryan Glass of Gordonville, Kent Aaron Glass and wife Dana of Jackson, Andrew Chad Ivan "Andy" Glass of Gordonville; a brother, Kevin Lee Glass of Bowling Green, Mo.; a sister, Marilyn D. Perego of Ballwin, Mo.; a grandchild, Lisken Faith Glass of Jackson; and a grandson due in January.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau from 4 to 8 p.m. today. A family remembrance service will be held at 8.

The funeral will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Bryan McAlister officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park.

At the family's request in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ron Glass Memorial Athletic Scholarship Fund at Jackson High School.