Morton Edward Gillispie

He was born November 4, 1941, in Henry County, Virginia to the late Benjamin Taft and Addie Purdy Gillispie. Joe graduated from Martinsville High School where he played basketball and won the state championship in 1961 under Mel Cartwright and Huskey Hall. After high school, he joined the National Guard. He was then employed with Western Auto, Fieldcrest and retired from Dupont with 30 years of service.

Besides spending time with his family, he enjoyed coaching children in Martinsville and Henry County in basketball, baseball and football. Joe enjoyed many years with Betty at their beach house in Myrtle Beach where they were able to make many memories with their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Known to many as “Joe” or “Papa Joe”, he was an avid University of Virginia and University of Alabama fan was often seen sporting the team hats and shirts.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister and brothers, William Martin, Christine Griffin, James and Cecil Gillispie; brothers-in-law, Walter Griffin, John and Robert Wharton.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Elizabeth “Betty” Wharton Gillispie; daughter, Donna G. Martin; sons, Joseph E. Gillispie and Rick E. Gillispie (Patricia); grandchildren, Tyler Puckett (Amber), Brian Puckett, Katie Childress (Charles), Jacob, Hannah and Jackson Gillispie; great grandchildren, Gavin and Gabby Puckett, Emerson and Amelia Puckett, and Henley Childress; sister, Anne G. Hand; brother, David Eugene Gillispie (Kaye); and several nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be conducted Friday, December 26, 2025, at 11:00am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Martinsville, VA. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. A private burial will be held in the Ferguson-Rakes Cemetery in Ferrum, VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials made to the American Heart Association, at www.heart.org or to a charity of your choice.

McKee-Stone Funeral Home, Martinsville, Va. is serving the family. To express condolences online, please visit www.collinsmckeestonemartinsville.com