Obituary of Robert g. gladney jr.

Robert "Hot Lips" Gladney 9/9/1946 - 4/29/2022 Rob was born in Memphis, TN to Robert and Lera Gladney. He attended Southside High School and graduated from the University of Memphis. His career started in banking at the then First National Bank, but he quickly decided to become a general contractor and project manager. In his contracting career he built many residential, multi-family and commercial properties throughout the Mid-South. In addition to being a creative, thrill-seeking and adventurous person, Rob had many great passions, most notably, music. Rob began his musical career at an early age and was an accomplished saxophone player, earning him the name Hot Lips. Rob played with many artist and was fortunate to be the saxophone player with the award-winning Bill Blacks Combo. With them, he opened, played and recorded with many famous artists, some that went on to play with Jimmy Buffett and Eric Clapton. He was fortunate to have played, backed, or opened for several artists including but not limited to: Crystal Gayle, Marty Robbins, Merle Haggard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Keith Sykes and BB King. One of Rob's favorite stories from his music career was when he played at a New Year's Eve party for Elvis and a member of the band bet Rob that he would not ask Priscilla Presley to dance. Rob, who did not back away from a challenge, asked Priscilla to dance (with permission from Elvis) and she obliged. After a few dances, Rob walked her back to the table to see Elvis had grown jealous and shut down the venue. Rob was never quite sure if Elvis found out it was a bet or not, but the party was over. Rob's heart was huge, his smile contagious and he was always the life of the party. He lived life to the fullest; there was not a mountain too high, a slope too steep or difficult enough for him. He found his lifelong passion for sailing after a trip to his much-loved BVI in the Caribbean, he was planning his next adventure to the island the week he passed away. Rob and Lynn moved to Florida and lived on his favorite golf course, The Links in Sandestin. A diehard Saints fan always, GEAUX Saints! Rob is survived by his wife, Lynn; daughters, Allison Gladney and Season Manuel; grandchildren, Keirsten Ayoung, Cassidy Cockrell, Judge Manuel and Lennon Shaw, and one great grandchild, Liam Ayoung; sisters, Brenda Erp and Dixie (Bennie) Buice. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Lee Manuel. Please join us for a Celebration of a life well lived at the home of Jeb and Lisa Fields, 4571 Barfield Rd, Memphis, TN 38117, Sunday, June 12 from 2-5 for food, drinks, and cherished memories.