Glen Davis Fisher

February 5, 1947 - February 8, 2021

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Glen Davis Fisher was born February 5, 1947 in Childress, Texas. He passed suddenly of a massive stroke into the arms of his beloved Savior, Jesus Christ on February 8, 2021 - a few days after an epic and treasured celebration of his 74th birthday and family games with his wife, children and grandchildren.

Most of his childhood was spent on the farm outside Lorenzo, Texas working with his parents and his sisters, although it is always hotly debated who did the most and least farm work and who the best hoe-er in the family was. He graduated from Lorenzo High School as Valedictorian in 1965 and went to Texas Tech where he met little Linda Ann McBride and fell in love. They were married May 21, 1971. After graduating from Texas Tech, they moved to Oklahoma State University where Glen finished his Masters Degree in Agriculture Economics. While he was in Texas Agricultural Extension Service, they had a daughter, Tammy, in Uvalde, Texas. The three moved to Sonora in May 1977 and lived on the Halbert ranch where Glen worked for his grandfather-in-law, Robert Halbert. He would always tell stories of how much he learned from Mr. Halbert and that time started a lifelong dedication to being the best rancher and steward of his in-law’s family land. In 1979, he went to work as Manager of Sonora Wool and Mohair Company around the same time they welcomed son, David into the world. Glen was later the manager of Ozona Wool and Mohair and Del Rio Wool and Mohair for a short time. From the time he married Linda, he worked with her family on the ranch in Sonora and for many years managed all or part of the ranch. He began turning the reigns over to his children about 10 years ago and taught them so much about ranching, economics, the industry and how to raise the best sheep, goats, and cattle in the area. He was so proud of the ranching legacy he left behind.

He was President of Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers 2001-2002 and President of the American Sheep Industry Association 2009-2010. He served on many committees in the sheep and goat, wool and mohair industries and was proud to have been appointed by several administrations to be a member and Chairman of the National Sheep Improvement Center. He would always joke that he was “just a poor, dumb rancher” but the truth is, a poor farm boy from the panhandle of Texas made an international name for himself in the sheep, goat, wool and mohair industries. He was well respected as a leader in the industry and his dry wit, calm leadership style and wisdom will be missed. He was always quick to donate money, time or prayers to those in need and to many organizations. Over the years he met with many state and federal leaders and helped shape agricultural policy both in Austin and Washington, DC. He made many trips to Washington, DC and especially to Bullfeathers.

He served as President of the Lions Club and Sonora Golf Club and Sutton County Health Foundation and served on numerous committees at the First United Methodist Church of Sonora and he helped with relief efforts during the major flood event in 2018 assisting numerous families. He was quietly always helping out the Sutton County 4-H Club and was a 4-H leader and little league coach and mentor to kids for decades. He was Chairman of the Committee that raised donations and oversaw the construction of the Sutton County Civic Center.

He was recognized as Sutton County Conservation Rancher of the Year, Sonora Chamber of Commerce Spotlight on Sonora Award winner, National Lamb Feeders Appreciation Award, Fred T Earwood Award (the highest honor given in the sheep and goat industry in Texas) and most treasured American Wool Excellence Award with several hundred people toasting and roasting him.

During his life he loved his family, 42, cheap scotch, fishing, good old country music with a fiddle in the band, pitching horseshoes, The Sonora Broncos, The Texas Tech Red Raiders, golf, spending time with his family and his friends at the Devil’s River, spending time with Linda and their friends in Ruidoso, New Mexico and going to the horse races. In his quasi-retired years, he learned how to hang out with Linda more than ever before and the two became inseparable during their retired years. Even though he thought he was always in trouble, he was probably right but the pair adored each other through thick and thin. He never met a stranger and he was known for speaking his mind. He was a great fan of all things Madalyn and Weston and followed them to stockshows and sporting events.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Linda Fisher, his daughter, Tammy Fisher; son David Fisher, wife Stacy and grandchildren Madalyn and Weston, who called him Grandfather with great affection and a few eyerolls over the years; all of Sonora, Texas. He is also survived by his sisters Joan Yoakum and husband Pat of Lubbock, Mary Rauch of San Angelo, Kay Ardis and husband Bill of Crowley, brother-in-law Patrick McBride of Guadalajara, Mexico and too many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins to count.

He is preceded in death by his parents Leona Pauline Bradshaw Fisher and Lindsay Floyd Grady Fisher, his sister Burma Niell, brothers in law Aubrey Niell and Walter Rauch and his wife’s parents Allie and Vestel Askew who were his ranching mentors and partners.

A Celebration of Life for The Old Wise One will be held at the Sutton County Civic Center on February 22, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. in Sonora.

Memorials may be made to Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Memorial Fund (www.tsgra.com), American Sheep Industry Association Guard Dog Fund (www.sheepusa.org), Sutton County Health Foundation or the First United Methodist Church of Sonora or the charity of your choice.