Rev. Russell W. Gillespie
February 1, 1922 ~ January 30, 2019
Resided in:
Leicester, North Carolina
Asheville Butterfly Trail
The Rev. Russell W. Gillespie, 96, died on Wednesday, January 30, 2019.
A Leicester native, Russell was a son of the late W. Pearson and Connie Ida Brooks Gillespie.
Rev. Gillespie served as the pastor at Happy Valley Baptist Church for 30 years.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara McCoy Gillespie; son, Bill Gillespie; his daughters, Dianne Hall and husband Gary, and Tamela Gillespie; along with 4 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his sisters, Norma Parham, Lois King, and Edith Tweed. His surviving siblings are Marjorie Black, Ruby Briggs and Paul Gillespie; and many nephews and nieces.
He loved, and he was loved by everyone.
The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday at Happy Valley Baptist Church with Pastor Perry Burke and the Rev. Joe Cox officiating. Interment will follow at South Turkey Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.
His family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the church.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. is assisting the family.
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To my spiritual-hero
Bill and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during your loss. What a wonderful life your father had, and what a blessing he was to so many people. Cherish your memories, and look forward to the day you’ll be rejoicing with him again.
Barbara, May I send my love and condolences to you and your family even though you may not remember me. I remember we both love Jesus. Of course, you know God is with us and he will never leave us. Your strong faith in our savior will carry you through . Your faith in the Lord was an inspiration to me. I hope I never forget you.
WHAT A WONDERFUL MAN LOVED EVERYONE ESPECIALLY THE CHILDREN HE WILL BE MISSED MY PRSYERS GO OUT TO BARBARA AND HIS FAMILY
To a real man of God may you rest in peace my precious precious pastor may God wrap you in his love and his arms and may the family no that no man could ever preach over dear Russell because he preached his own funeral the way he lived for Jesus God blessthe family soon and soon we are going to see the king God you and shouting Charlie have yourselves a Time and daddy of course
Ms Barbara so sorry for your loss. I’m sorry for you but not Bro Russell. He’s made it to his real home. Walking on a street of gold. Seeing Jesus for the first time. I can’t imagine how happy he must be. I lost my husband to brain cancer in 2016 so I know how sad the loss of the one you love is. I’ll keep you in my prayers.
Jewel Williams ( Rachel Ellege’s mom)
We will be earnestly praying for your family! May God be with each of you during this time of sorrow.
Tammy, I am very sorry to hear of the loss of your dad, I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers!!