Lloyd A. Gillespie

Lloyd Arnett Gillespie, 96, of West Melbourne, Florida passed away Friday, September 5, 2014 at West Melbourne Health and Rehab. He was born in Holly, West Virginia on August 16, 1918 to the late Ola Hanson and Ruie (Smith) Gillespie.

Lloyd married Emogene (Adkins) Tabor on November 10, 1981 and she survives. Also surviving are children Lloyd Jr., Elizabeth Ann Schroeder and Shirley Dixon; step-children Rose Vanwinkle, Merritt Island, FL, Gail Floyd and Jim (Kathy) Tabor all of West Melbourne. Many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving siblings are Homer Gillespie of West Melbourne, Bob Gillespie of Akron, Ohio and Bill Gillespie of Largo, Florida.

Lloyd had a long and much honored military career of 30 years. He was a Purple Heart recipient and had achieved the rank of Command Sargeant Major upon his retirement from military service.

He was a lifelong member of the Loyal Order of Moose, VFW, Mariner Lodge, Order of the Eastern Star and Commandery of Knights Templar.

Lloyd was predeceased by his parents, siblings Katherine Corley, Aaron Gillespie, Eugene Gillespie, Dana Gillespie, Virginia Cooper and Carminetta Williams.

The family would like to thank past and present caregivers at the West Melbourne Health and Rehab facility with special thanks to Dan Cochran, Joyce, Mary Johnson, Pam Canterbury and Sandy Carter, who went above and beyond to give him such wonderful care. Also, his very special roommate and friend, Eugene.

Services will be on Monday, September 8, 2014 at Florida Memorial Gardens, Rockledge, Florida with visitation from 10 to 11 a.m. and services immediately following with burial at the cemetery.