Preserving a Legacy of Community Care

As a second-generation pharmacist, Ken Glover aims to model the values his father instilled in him.

Words by Jenny Lynn Davis | Images by Ryan McGill and Courtesy of Ken Glover

In 1969, three-year-old Ken Glover was perched on a stool behind the counter of a newly opened pharmacy, owned by his father, Sam Glover. As Ken meticulously counted candies on a tray, Sam stood next to him, filling prescriptions with care, while his mother, Sarah, diligently worked to ensure the shelves were fully stocked. Little did any of them know that this small, family-run establishment would shape the course of Ken's life and define his sense of purpose. These humble beginnings marked the inception of what would become a lifelong journey in the world of pharmacy.

Sam Glover was more than a pharmacist; he was a cherished friend within the tight-knit east Walker County community. "He was a people person. He didn't just talk to you about your medications, but about your kids' baseball game," Ken fondly recalls. "Over the years, countless people have told me how he went above and beyond for them."

Ken felt a deep-seated calling to continue this legacy of community service. Despite his father's well-intentioned efforts to steer him toward other paths, Ken remained steadfast in his determination to serve his community as a pharmacist. "Dad tried to talk me out of it, thought I should do something else. I didn't listen. It's what I wanted to do. I've been here ever since," he says with a grin.

In 1991, Ken graduated from pharmacy school and opened his own store in Dora the following year. Like his father's establishment, Ken Glover Drugs swiftly became a community staple. Beyond the standard prescription services, the pharmacy offers durable medical equipment, home healthcare supplies, and diabetes education. However, what truly sets Ken's pharmacy apart is his commitment to maintaining the tradition of being a friend first.

"People are not just a number or a transaction when they come here. There's a clear divide at the counter, but outside of this store, that boundary isn't there, and we respect it," Ken emphasizes. "Nothing is more rewarding than being at the grocery store or a football game and having a patient flag you down and let you know how their health is improving, and then launching into a separate talk about life in general."

In 1999, Ken purchased an existing pharmacy in Cordova and transformed it to another location of Ken Glover Drugs. Like its sister store, this location became a community healthcare staple. That community relationship played host to a patient-first model following the tornadoes that ravaged Walker County in April 2011.

"Downtown Cordova was condemned, the city was locked down with armed guards at every entry point, but we had a patient in dire need of insulin who reached out to us.

Next thing I knew, I was in the back of a military vehicle between two guys with machine guns, going to deliver the insulin to that patient's house," Ken says.

The Cordova location has since been rebuilt, and countless other examples of successful patient-first care have defined the business's reputation over the nearly three decades of operation. Ken attributes this success to the legacy his father forged. "Dad built our family legacy from scratch, and I am proud to be blessed by the fruits of that," he says. "I had a great example with my dad; he set a standard that involves a very high jump to meet. I think it is important to respect your heritage, be thankful for where you came from, and give the next generation something they can be proud of."

Indeed, Ken is doing just that for the next generation. Alongside his wife, Carmen, they are proud parents to Kent, Maggie, and Karlie. Kent is a chiropractor, married to Kayla, a pharmacist at the Dora location. Maggie is married to Joe, and both are involved in the family business in the Durable Medical Equipment division. Karlie is a junior at Birmingham-Southern College. Ken is also a grandfather to two-year-old Samuel, and has two more grandchildren on the way.

Outside of work, Ken's passions extend beyond the pharmacy walls. He has played the trumpet since age 11 and is a proud member of a jazz band called the Kool Katz that frequently performs at private functions across the county. In recent years, he has embraced a new challenge - triathlons. Ken averages six to eight triathlons annually, showcasing a commitment to personal growth and well-rounded living.

As Ken looks ahead, the legacy of Sam Glover remains at the forefront of his vision. With each prescription filled, every patient served, and every act of kindness extended, Ken ensures that the spirit of Sam lives on. He knows he is more than just a pharmacist; he is a torchbearer of a rich legacy built on genuine connections, community service, and a commitment to going above and beyond for others. 78