Jackie Lee Gillispie

Jackie, known simply as Papaw, was preceded in death by his parents, Sherman & Blanch Gillispie, his sisters Ethel Gillenwater & Sue Kinder, brother Sherman (Junior) Gillispie, son Mark Gillispie, and the love of his life Venus Blanche Gillispie. He is survived by his brother Walter (Bob) Gillispie, his daughter and son in law Ruth Anne & David DeLong, his grandchildren Brieanna & Adam Stamper, and his precious light, his granddaughter Londyn Stamper. Papaw had many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

To know Papaw was to love him.

Papaw was stubborn yet tender, a friend to all, and the kind of man who never met a stranger for long. If you sat down to have a chat with him, he would take you back to his days working in the mines and somehow, by the time the conversation ended, even if he hadn’t known you before, he would.

Papaw loved deeply. He had a way of making people feel safe, loved, and wanted. He was cheeky and playful, quick with a smile, and full of warmth. Even toward the end, what mattered most to him was simply being near the ones he loved. He fiercely loved his great-granddaughter, Londyn, and nothing lit up his face faster than hearing her come running in, yelling, “Popppawww.” In those moments, his joy was unmistakable.

He was rarely seen without his signature plaid shirt, even on the days he was feeling only “fifty-fifty,” as he liked to say. Papaw loved to work with his hands. Before he got sick, he could almost always be found in his garage, piddling away on another project. Taking lawnmowers apart just to put them back together again. It didn’t always have a purpose, but it didn’t need one. That was just Papaw. And we loved him for it.

Papaw was proud of three things above all else. His faith, his family, and his fierce love and loyalty to his late wife, Venus. He carried her love with him always. He was deeply proud of his daughter, his granddaughter, and his sweet little Londyn, his girl, his legacy.

Papaw loved going to church and was a proud member of the Alum Creek church of the Nazarene. If you ever had the opportunity to hear Papaw’s testimony, you may have it memorized by now. On June 26, 2008, sitting at his kitchen table, Papaw shared how God put His hands on his shoulders and told him it was time to spit those demons out and come to Him. And now, just like that hot summer day, God once again put His hands on your shoulders, Papaw, and welcomed you home.

Papaw leaves behind a family who will carry his stories, his faith, and his love forward. His life reminds us that the greatest impact is often made quietly, through kindness, loyalty, and simply showing up for the people you love.

He will be missed beyond measure, but his presence will never be absent from the lives he shaped.

Well done, my good and faithful servant.

Celebration of Jackie’s life will be 7:00 P.M. Sunday, February 1, 2026 at Stevens & Grass Funeral Home with Rev. Ollie Parsons officiating. Private Family burial will be in Barker Cemetery.

Gathering of family and friends will be from 5 until time of service at the funeral home.

Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.stevensandgrassfuneralhome.com