By Staff
Sept. 30, 2001
As a young man, Glen Deweese came to Meridian at a time when many of his friends said he could never build a successful business here. He once confided to a newspaper reporter that his Jackson friends told him Meridian was "closed" to outsiders and launching a new venture would be so difficult that he shouldn't even attempt it.
Fortunately for the community he came to adopt it as his own, Mr. Deweese had his mind set. After making a living driving a truck route for the Coca-Cola Co. in Jackson and, later, owning a grocery store and convenience store in the capital city, he moved his family to Meridian in 1966. He launched a chain of convenience stores, over the years building the brand to a 72 store corporation called SuperStop! He pioneered what is now a common sight self service gasoline pumps.
Along the way, despite the personal tragedy of a 1968 car accident that claimed the life of his daughter, Sue, and nearly took the life of his wife, Janice, Mr. Deweese never ducked an opportunity to serve his community. During terms in the Mississippi Senate, he rose to positions of prominence, chairing the powerful Appropriations Committee and serving as Senate President Pro Tem.
He volunteered for community service organizations too numerous to mention, except for the fact that they all benefited from his participation. He was a driving force behind the cause of economic development and was serving as chairman of the East Mississippi Business Development Corp. at the time of his death.
Mr. Deweese, who died Thursday night at the age of 69, will be remembered for his devotion to his family, community, state and country. He worked through adversity, including difficult months fighting cancer, and strived to focus a more positive light on his home community. His business accomplishments are the stuff of legend and once he decided to make Lauderdale County his home, he never looked back.
Through a lifetime of achievement, he proved the early critics wrong. His business life was laced with obstacles he simply climbed over or walked around and his time on this earth serves as ample evidence that bright minds can find light at the end of the tunnel.
The Meridian Star extends deepest sympathy to Mr. Deweese's family and friends. Our community will miss his presence and stands in grateful appreciation for all of the ways in which he shared his life and talents with all of us.