COLUMBIA - A celebration of life service for John Robert "Bobby" Gillespie, 71, will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel. The family will receive friends following the service at the funeral home.
Bobby passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at his home surrounded by loved ones. Born in Columbia, SC, he was a son of the late Curtis Claunch Gillespie and Maurine Sanders Gillespie. A graduate of Keenan High School, he went on to take over his family's dry cleaning business, Gillespie Cleaners, for over 20 years. He then decided to pursue a career in Residential Real Estate, where he helped countless families buy and sell homes. More recently, he managed the Vista Guild's Clean and Safe Program, where he was often referred to as "King of the Vista." Bobby found pride in his job and was greatly appreciated by many business owners. In his younger years, Bobby loved playing golf with friends and his brother. He was a devoted USC Gamecock fan and enjoyed attending football games at Williams Brice Stadium. He spent many years of his life at the baseball/softball fields coaching his children and more recently, cheering on his grandchildren from the sidelines. A devout gardener, Bobby cultivated a beautiful and serene garden at home full of plants and birdlife, and found true joy in offering advice and encouragement to fellow gardeners.
Surviving are his devoted wife of 42 years Pamela M. Gillespie of Columbia, SC; daughter, Michelle Rebecca Flores (Steven) of Columbia, SC; son, Robert Sanders Gillespie (Kimberly) of Greenville, SC; grandchildren, Addyson, Bennett, Finn, Jack, and Bo; brother, Joel Gillespie of Columbia, SC; sister, Mary Johnson (Sandy) of Columbia, SC; sister-in-law, Candace Gillespie of Charleston, SC; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Michael Gillespie.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt thanks for the good care Bobby received at MUSC Hospital in Columbia, SC and the MUSC Hospice team. They also wish to express their sincere appreciation for all of the meals, love, and support they have received from friends, family, neighbors and colleagues.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the GoFundMe page: "Donate to Celebrate Bobby's Legacy with Vista Beautification," at https://gofund.me/ed0787de, a project that honors his lifelong dedication to the community. Your contributions will help plant flowers and trees that will keep his spirit alive in the place he loved.
Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com
