Curtis McDonald "Don" Gillespie Jr.

Don was born to Helen and Curt Gillespie on November 26, 1950, at the Baptist Hospital in Birmingham AL. He went to elementary school in Bessemer and attended Jones Valley High School where he played varsity football. After Don graduated from Jones Valley in 1969 he went on to study at Jacksonville State University where he met his wife, Jenny. They were married 53 years and had two sons, Curt and Clint.

His favorite hobbies involved horses, as an owner and rider for over 50 years. He was a member of the American Cutting Horse Association for many years and participated in competitions around the southeast. He also enjoyed NASCAR racing and Alabama Football. Even though he was an only child he loved family reunions and being around his relatives.

Don was preceded in death by his mother and father, Helen and Curt Gillespie; sons, Clint and Curt Gillespie and daughter-in-law, Victoria Gillespie.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jenny; grandson, Cash and granddaughter, Ella Gant; her parents, Amanda and Shane Gant; sister-in-law, Jo Ann Parker and brother-in-law, David Parker. He is also survived by numerous very special Allbritton family, cousins from Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama along with his beloved horses Loretta, George, Strait, and Hank.

Don was a member of Coaling Baptist Church. He was the project manager for Stanley Smith Drywall for over 30 years. He enjoyed his job and the people he worked with.

A visitation for Curtis will be held Friday, January 24, 2025 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Memory Chapel Funeral Home, 2200 Skyland Blvd East, Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35405, followed by a Celebration of Life at 1:00 PM with Rev. Todd Birkhalter officiating. A Private burial will take place at Valhalla Cemetery in Bessemer AL.