Willie Alexander Gillespie, Jr.

Mr. Willie Alexander Gillespie, Jr. 72 of Cary, NC passed Wednesday, February 3, 2021. There will be a private memorial service held for Mr. Willie A. Gillespie, Jr. on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 2:00 PM. 

 Obituary

Willie Alexander Gillespie Jr, also lovingly known as Pete or “PK”, was born on September 29, 1948 in Cheraw SC, to the late Willie A and Gertrude Little Gillespie Sr.  He was the oldest of 7 siblings, but “big” brother to many.  He fell asleep in death on Wednesday, February 3, 2021.

                                                                                                   History

Willie graduated from Long High School, class of 1966, where he thoroughly enjoyed his school years and excelled in football and baseball.  His love of people led him to work as an orderly with the Cheraw Hospital system, right after High School, where he met his soon to be wife, Rosa Kahan Gillespie, for whom he was married to for 33yrs.  Together they bore 4 children…all girls!  #Girl Dad

Willie loved working with his hands and “fixing” things.  So after leaving the Hospital system, he worked for many years in the Textile Industry as a Mechanic, at both Burlington Manufacturing and INA Bearing, in Cheraw SC and at Wade Manufacturing in Wadesboro, NC - from which he retired.  For a brief period of time, to satisfy his love of cars and trucks, he was a driver for Suburban Propane after attending truck driving school in Rock Hill, SC.

He and Rosa began studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1974.  They loved the truths they found and were baptized on July 4^th, 1975 in Columbia, SC.  Willie enjoyed explaining his faith to others in the door-to-door ministry and to family, giving Bible-based talks and associating with the Cheraw SC and Cary NC congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses.  He enjoyed going to assemblies, conventions and touring the Watchtower facilities in NY.  One of the greatest highlights of his life was being able to attend the “Victorious Faith” International Convention in Washington, DC in 1978.

Willie was known for his “giving” spirit and willingness to help others; without question.  He was also known for his grilling and barbecuing skills, passed on to him by his father, Willie Sr.  He loved playing horseshoes, fishing, music, sharp dressing, shopping, and all things “Pittsburg Steelers.”

He leaves to cherish his memory, his daughters, Jacqueline Roper (Dexter) of Cary NC; Linda Miller (John) of Camden SC; one grand-daughter Destiny Roper; one brother, Robert L Gillespie (Ann) of Cheraw, SC; and one Aunt, Aree Williams of Newark, NJ; as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and “friends”.   He was preceded in death by twin daughters, Charlene and Darlene Gillespie; sisters, Diane Gillespie and Evelyn Johnson (Robert); brothers, Harry, Barney, and Garfield (Renee) Gillespie, all of Cheraw, SC. He was dearly loved and will be terribly missed by many. 

A Poem For Grand Dad

You taught us love

You taught us strength

Through all the bad, you were always there

And you never failed to love endlessly

The support you gave impacted all

You always said “all you have to do is call”

Yes, we’ll miss you

Yes, we’ll cry

But we know we’ll see you again

In perfect mind and perfect health

So let’s focus on the good

And continue to love you like we should

All my love,

Destiny

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