Harry Kyle Gillispie passed away Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at Dogwood Village in Orange, Virginia. He was born April 16, 1927 to Rosa and Harry Clifford Gillispie and grew up in Arbovale, West Virginia. In addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by 10 siblings, a grandson, John Matthews, and the mother of his children, Laneta Gillispie.
During his 23 years of active military service, he defended his country during World War II, the Korean Conflict and in Viet Nam and was recipient of the Bronze Star. He also worked with the ROTC program at Virginia Tech before settling his family in Chatham ,Virginia. There he served as Assistant Commandant at Hargrave Military Academy, where he began their equestrian program, later becoming Senior Military Instructor. Every young person who met “Pappy” became ‘his kid’, whether that was at Hargrave, Chatham 4-H, or during a riding lesson at his farm. In later years he continued to raise horses and farm, which along with family, brought him great joy.
Harry is survived by his daughter, Mitzi C. Gillispie (Gail Childs) of Grovetown, GA; sons, Matthew K. Gillispie (Linda Coleman) of Mineral, VA, and Brian Giles (Faith Giles) of Culpeper, VA; grandchildren, Justin, Becky, and Joe Gillispie, (their mother, Grace Gillispie), and Allison Bowersock(Tyler), Daniel Wolverton, and Harrison E. Giles. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, Adeline Gillispie, Kayden Strothers, T. J and Rory Bowersock.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Healing Strides Therapeutic Horse Program ,672 Naff Road, Boones Mill VA 24065 or to St. Francis Service Dogs, 8232 Enon Dr, Roanoke, VA 24019.
Due to Covid, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Fond memories and condolences may be shared with the Gillispie family through clore-english.com. The Gillispie family has entrusted Clore-English Funeral Home with these arrangements.
