I'm so sorry to learn of Vics passing. I was just trying to find him after many years. I am an artist and met Vic around 1975 when I was a green artist. I so wanted to speak with him as I am still an artist today. My condolences to his family. Phil

I met Vic at the beach years ago and instantly we were friends . Every time i would run into him we would end up laughing and "cuttin up " . Vic was the epitome of a gentleman and kindness. He always made me a " special deal " on his paintings which i proudly display in my home and office for all to see . I always went to the Shoe Center to look  for him when he told me of his latest painting so i could get one . He is a Beach Icon that will be sorely missed  ! RIP my friend 
 

Vic was a gentleman and a talented artist.  He enjoyed the shag family in NMB and will be missed. Rest in peace, Vic.

Vic and I worked together in 1970 at an architectural and engineering firm in Burlington, N.C.  He would come to my drawing board nearly every morning to show me a painting he had done the night before on a shirt cardboard. Vic would offer them to me for $5.00 each. His favorite subjects seemed to be ducks and old farmhouses. He always wanted my opinion and I encouraged him to keep painting.  

After I left the company where we worked it was about ten years before I saw him again. Our mutual friend Larry Johnson was painting a mural in a store that I was building for a client. Vic dropped by to see Larry and the three of us spent the afternoon talking and laughing and reminiscing about Vic's  $5.00 paintings. Of course, by that time, Vic had established himself as an accomplished artist and was getting much more than $5.00 for a painting.

I only saw Vic a couple of more times after that, but I always asked about him among our artist friends and thought of him often over the years. He was a kind, generous, and talented man. We have lost a good man.

Most folks knew him as Vic but to us that grew up with him in Swepsonville, NC – he was our Pug.  I’m so grateful I reunited Pug with brother Mike before Mike passed away.  The stories they told of things they had done during those boyhood years had us laughing until we cried.  Some were so strange they were hard to believe but they both vouched for each other’s tales, so I’m guessing they were true.  Pug was the best story teller ever, his embellishments and actions made those stories hilarious – you could just visualize the whole scene and especially the one about Barbara flicking a cigarette out the window of the car and it flying in the back window, landing in your crotch, and setting you on fire, had us rolling.  We had many good times together, reminiscing about our childhood in good ole Sweps.  Sure gonna miss that smile, that laugh, that dance but it brings a smile to my face knowing you are back with Barbara, your soul mate and the love of your life.  Give Becky and sista Nookie a twirl around Heaven’s dance floor for me. Rest easy my friend!   Ms. Jessie, Donna & Carolyn - you are all in my thoughts and prayers!

Vic was a great guy.  He was generous and truly was a man's man  Knowing Vic made my life richer and fuller.  He will be missed.  It was always a treat seeing him Sundays at OD Pavilion.   John Hutton. Society of Brunswick Shaggers.

Remembering Pug as a young man, always with a kind word and a big smile! Swepsonville was so fortunate to call him our own! Praying for you Miss Jesse, Donna and Carolyn as you continue this sad journey. RIP Pug as you rest in the arms of Jesus. Love you! 

On behalf of myself and the Fayetteville Area Shag Association we offer our sincerest condolences on the loss of Vic.  He was a wonderful, talented artist but primarily he was a caring and generous friend to and member of the shag world.  I loved chatting with him (mostly at the Shoe Center where he was a "celebrity).  He was the epitome of a gentleman with a kind manner, joyous spirit as well as a willing teacher of all things "art".  I learned a lot from him during our chats.  Our shag club was the recipient of his generosity as he donated his artwork to our club to be used for charity events.    We hope you find comfort in the legacy of his talent and beautiful spirit.

We are with heavy hearts today in learning the loss of our  dearest friend and classmate, Vic Gillespie.  He was such a kind and generous person and will be so missed.  Our prayers are with his family and friends.  
Classmates of Southern High School class of 1962.

Family, we are sorry for your loss of a your son and brother.  He loved you so as he spoke of you always with love and kindness.   We considered Vic a member of our Shoe Center family.  He was a wonderful customer purchasing all looks in our Brass Boot brand, a true and honest friend which was our greatest treasure, our amazing artist-in-residence, and a brother in Christ. Vic completed three watercolor paintings for our store depicting various aspects of the culture of the shag dance. We will provide you with prints of the three completed pieces for a beautiful memory of his work. Most important to us was Vic the man accurately described as a true southern gentleman. Mom, you should be most proud of raising such as fine man. He delighted our lady customers with a smooth swirl on our dance floor as they tried out their new dance shoes, found goodness in others, and was extremely generous in donating his time and his art to shag clubs for fundraising.  Because he believed in Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life, we know the end here was just Vic’s continued journey home with the ultimate in new beginnings.  May God assure you of where Vic's soul rests and may God's loving arms embrace you during this time of grieving.  

So sorry to hear about Vic !! He was a southern gentleman and very artistic. He shared his talent of art  with his prints being donated to many club to help raise money. He will be missed !! Deepest sympathy to the family!

Vic was such a nice man and a very talented artist.  I hunted him down to get one of his prints of the pavilion because it held such wonderful childhood memories.  His print of it was the most wonderful that I had seen.  He managed to capture the magic and he was so kind and gracious when I caught up to him.  I was so sorry to hear of his passing.  Prayers for his family.

RIP,Pug,So sorry,sending prayers of comfort to your family.

Carolyn and Donna and your Mom,Dewey and I are so sorry to hear of Vicks (Pug)Passing.He has put up a good fight for a long time.But his health just kept spinning downward.Reguardless he always waved  and carried  a smile.He was one that loved life to the fullest.Loved to shag and a fantatic Artist.You will definitely miss him.Sending Prayers of comfort to you All.Jimmy

Vic was a wonderful artist and a great friend to everyone that knew him.
He was always a perfect gentleman and used his talent 
to help many charities with his 
special gift of art.
We have many of his art works and will cherish them for ever.
Oh yes, Mr. Buggy Walk will be missed .




I grew up in Swepsonville on Main Street down from the Gillispies.
"Pug" always had a smile and a iced tea.

OBITUARY

Gratton V. Gillispie Jr.

March 6, 1943 – July 29, 2020

Lee Funeral Home

Show your support

Send Flowers

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Visitation