John S Gillespie

John Stephen Gillespie of Hot Springs, AR, went to meet his Savior on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at 12:05 p.m. John was born February 16, 1931 in Vernon, Illinois to George and Cliffie Gillespie. He was the seventh of eight children. John moved to Anderson, Indiana in 1942 and finished his schooling there. He worked for and retired from Delco Remy, Division of General Motors after 31 years of credited service. He was a member of UAW Local 662 where he served as a Committee Man, a Zone Committee Man, and a Benefit Representative. John was a man that defined integrity, hard work, and love of family. He was a devoted husband and father. Survivors include his soul mate of 35 years, Clara Jackson Gillespie of Hot Springs, whom he married, December 29, 1980. Two sisters, Anna Lee Depew of Vandalin, Illinois and Valsa Jean Hutchens of Anderson, Indiana. Five children: twin daughters, Kathy Reel of Waco, Texas and Karen Carroll (Roger) of Brazoria, Texas. Three sons: Reverend Mark Gillespie (Pam) of Hot Springs, Richard Gillespie (Bonnie) of Fort Wayne, Indiana and David Gillespie (Samantha) of Chesterfield, Indiana. Four inherited children: daughter, Yvonnia Prince (Michael) of Anderson, Indiana, three sons: Rocky Jackson (Kimberly), of Anderson, Indiana, Russell Jackson, of Hot Springs, and Robbie Jackson of Crawfordville, Florida; Twenty-four grandchildren, thirty-seven great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Cliffie Gillespie, an infant sister, Lucille Gillespie, three brothers, George W., Russell B., and Jack T. Gillespie, two sisters, Bertha Newlin and Marguerite Murfin, four brothers-in-law: Carl Newlin, Richard Murfin, Jim Depew, and Ralph Hutchens, and son-in-law Forest Reel. A joint celebration of Life will be held at a later date at Robert Loose Funeral Home in Anderson, Indiana. Arrangements are under the direction of Gross Funeral Home. The online obituary, guestbook, and memorial tribute are available at www.GrossFuneralHome.com.