Sitting side by side in their cozy living room at Arcadia in Bowling Green, Bill and Betty Glisson shared laughter and memories as they reflected on their love story, seven decades in the making. Their love is obvious, as strong as it was when they met on the school bus all those years ago.
“I was a senior in high school, and I drove the school bus to school every day. One day, I picked up a girl whose eyes gleamed like no other, and, from then on, the seat behind the driver’s seat on the bus was reserved for Betty,” Bill shared. “Everyone knew that was Betty’s seat.”
You could say the rest is history.
“I knew that day I was going to love her forever,” Bill said.
The couple raised two children, Tony and Tamy. Tony and his wife, Leeza, have two daughters, and Tamy and her husband, Alan, have two sons. The Glissons were at the hospital for nearly every one of their four grandkids’ and seven great-grandkids’ births, even if it meant driving quite the distance. That love and devotion to family speaks volumes about the couple.
The Glissons built a strong foundation for themselves, their children, and their grandchildren, passing down values of love, respect, and commitment. Their son Tony’s admiration for his parents’ loving relationship is evident.
“Dad taught me a lot about honoring and respecting Mom. I even learned how to love my wife, Leeza, because of what he did,” said Tony. “It was always about honor and respect and consideration. That’s how I learned what it means to truly care for someone. They’ve passed on something that has shaped my life and my marriage. It’s a gift.”
For Betty, their children’s happiness and well-being have been her joy.
“Our children have been such a blessing. They’ve taken care of us, and they’re always there. When we moved to be closer to them, they had our apartment all set up, even groceries in the refrigerator,” she said.
Betty laughed when asked about the secrets to a long-lasting marriage, “You have to love each other and just get along.”
Bill chimed in with a twinkle in his eye, “Keep your mouth shut when there’s trouble,” and they both shared a hearty laugh. Even after seven decades, this playfulness shows the importance of joy and laughter in maintaining a lifelong partnership.
Their love story is grounded in shared values and a deep respect for family.
Bill recalled when he found himself alongside his twin brother, Johnny, helping Betty’s parents unload corn from a truck. Dressed in his best clothes, he worked alongside Betty’s father, not thinking twice about showing his love through action. “We came up the hard way,” Bill shared, “and I was there to show I could support her, no matter what.”
For Bill, commitment is a word he takes seriously, especially when honoring his vows. “If you love her, stick with her. Forsake all others,” he said with conviction.
His faith has been a guiding principle throughout his marriage, serving as a steady anchor even during tough times. Reflecting on this, Betty said, “I just knew he’d be there. It never crossed my mind he’d step out. He was my husband, and that’s all I needed to know.”
A letter, still in its original envelope, aged and worn, revealed Bill’s love and admiration for his wife. Written to Betty on their first wedding anniversary and recently discovered at the couple’s former Mississippi home, it’s a time capsule of promises made and dreams whispered.
“I wanted to put down in words what I couldn’t say out loud,” Bill explained, his voice cracking slightly.
Health challenges tested their bond in recent years, especially when Bill underwent brain surgery. Betty’s voice softened as she recalled that terrifying time. “I just knew I’d lost him,” she said, her eyes welling up. “He was bleeding on the brain, and I thought, ‘They’re waiting on him to die.’” Yet, against all odds, doctors operated, and Bill pulled through.
COVID-19 restrictions meant Betty could only see him through a window during his recovery. “It was so hard,” she said. “I just wanted to hold his hand, but we could only talk through the glass.”
Despite the physical distance during that time, their love was crystal clear. Betty never stopped praying for his recovery, holding onto her faith as she stood by his side, even if only through a pane of glass.
“He got COVID on top of everything else,” Tony recalled, “but he fought through it all. And when he came home, he was as sharp as ever.”
Betty is proud that the love she and Bill share will inspire future generations. Her eyes sparkled as she talked about their great-grandchildren, whom she lovingly calls “her little jewels.”
“Our family is beautiful,” she said. “We’ve been blessed in ways we could have never imagined.”
When asked more about a loving marriage, Bill’s answer was simple yet profound: “Stick together. Love each other. That’s all that matters.” This advice is rooted in his own life, one spent honoring the woman he chose so many years ago.
Looking toward the future, Bill and Betty remain committed to love. For them, love isn’t just a feeling; it’s a lifelong promise to honor, support, and cherish one another through every trial and triumph.
“It’s special, seeing the legacy they’ve built,” Tony said.
Even in their 90s, they can love one another the same way, or even a little stronger, than they did in their teens. Their journey reflects a timeless truth: that true love, when nurtured with faith, respect, and a touch of humor, can indeed last a lifetime.
