Howard J. Gillespie

Howard J. Gillespie, 93, of Leicester, died on Tuesday, March 17, 2009, at his son's home. A native of Buncombe Co., Mr. Gillespie was a son of the late Ed Nelson and Nora King Gillespie. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Margie Wells Gillespie; daughter, Mary Ann Gillespie Riddle; sisters, Edith Gillespie McElreath Bridges, Stella Gillespie Reynolds, and Pauline Gillespie; and brother, Glenn Gillespie. Mr. Gillespie was a retired farmer and carpenter, and was a member of the Carpenters' Union. He was also a veteran of the U.S. Navy, and a member of Bell United Methodist Church. He is survived by his daughter, Joyce Gillespie Rogers Douglas; son, Edward Howard Gillespie and wife Helen; 12 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren. A funeral service for Mr. Gillespie will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday at Bell United Methodist Church with the Revs. Fred Carpenter and John W. Clements officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Nelson Gillespie, Everett Jarrett, Jr., Richard Rogers, Thomas Greene, Charles Gillespie, and Harold Gillespie. His family will receive friends from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Bell United Church Cemetery Fund, 979 Newfound Rd., Leicester, NC 28748.