A Life Story

Harry Benton "Hank" Gloss III, 69, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and a deep appreciation for history. Born on August 22, 1956, in Welch, West Virginia, Hank lived a life rich with friendships, family, and a passion for preserving the stories of the past. He was preceded in death by his father, Harry Benton Gloss, Jr.; his mother, Doris Francenne Witten; and his stepmother, Cleo Messenger Hogue Gloss. Hank is survived by his devoted wife, Sheree Gloss, whose love and partnership brought him great joy. He was a proud father to his son, Jeffrey Gloss (Kelsey), and a loving grandfather to his cherished granddaughters, Camden and Savannah, both age 8. He embraced his role as a loving stepfather to Jamie Carson (Jon), and Tina Oresteen (Paul). A proud grandfather to James, age 13, and Aubry, age 8. Hank loved his family deeply and treasured every opportunity to spend time with them, creating memories that will be cherished for generations. Known simply as "Hank" to the countless people whose lives he touched, he never met a stranger. Beloved by all and a lifetime friend to many, he had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome. His generosity, polished demeanor, warm smile, and willingness to help others left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His perfect weekend was a full slate of football, a steak with bourbon, and his Sunday night phone calls. He never had anything in particular to talk about but he wanted you to know he was thinking about you. A passionate historian, Hank dedicated much of his life to studying and preserving the history of World War II. He was an avid collector of WWII artifacts and enthusiastically shared his knowledge with fellow history lovers. At the time of his passing, he was fulfilling a lifelong dream by writing a historical fiction novel inspired by his love of history. His curiosity, respect for the past, and commitment to historical preservation reflected his belief that the stories of those who came before us should never be forgotten. Hank will be remembered for his unwavering kindness, his generous spirit, his love of history, and the friendships he nurtured throughout his life. His legacy lives on in the family he adored, the friends who became family, and the countless lives he enriched with his compassion and wisdom. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Gamble Funeral Service, 410 Stephenson Avenue, Savannah, Georgia. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Greenwich Cemetery, 330 Bonaventure Road, Savannah, Georgia 31404. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force https://www.mightyeighth.org/ or the National Trust for Historic Preservation https://savingplaces.org/support-us, two organizations that reflect Hank's lifelong passion for history and his dedication to preserving the stories that shaped our world.