GILLESPIE, Joseph Clay age 91 of Nashville, November 24, 2012Age: 91Preceded in death by the mother of his children, Dorothy Louise Meador; survived by the mother to his children, Dorothy Blaine Lane. Children: Robin Meredith Haller (John); Joseph C. Gillespie, Jr.; John Patrick Gillespie; Susan Dale Gillespie (David Grove); Meredith Fox (Cary); Margaret (Betsy) Ott (Richard); Timothy Graham Gillespie (Anita); Thomas Andrew Gillespie.Grandchildren: Peter and Jonathan Haller; Bryton and Amelia Gillespie; David and Leah Fox; Keren Ott Longshore (Cameron) and Elizabeth (Libby) Ott; Graham and Zachery Gillespie; great-grandson Cameron (C.T.) Longshore. A graduate of Charleston High School, Charleston, West Virginia in 1939, he was employed as a clerk and bank bookkeeper prior to entering the army as a private in 1942. Veteran of WWII, he was an administrative staff sergeant; commissioned second lieutenant in 1944. He served as a medical registrar, Mason General Hospital, N.Y., until relieved from active duty in March, 1946. From active duty and reserve service, he retired as captain, Medical Service Corps in 1981. He began his career with the Veterans Administration in 1946 at Atlanta, Georgia. He held positions in medical and hospital administration in progressive assignments, coming to the directorship of the Nashville VA Hospital in October, 1974 from a similar position in Montgomery, Alabama. At his retirement in 1981, he received the VA’s Distinguished Career Award. Active in community affairs as well as state and regional health planning programs, he has served on the Nashville area American Red Cross board; Senior Citizens, Inc. board; member of the United Way board and chair of the Government Division of the 1981 campaign drive; board member and vice-chair of the Tennessee State Veterans Home Board for three consecutive terms; member and trustee of Post 5, the American Legion; received the Leon Gilbert Award for Community Service. He has held membership in several professional societies, including Member, American College of Hospital Administrators, and academic appointments as former Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Administration, Vanderbilt University Medical School, member of the Graduate School faculty, University of Alabama, Birmingham; Georgia State University, Atlanta; Trinity University, San Antonio; Washington University, St. Louis. He was a charter member of the Senior Executive Service of the United States of America. He was a member of the Belle Meade United Methodist Church. Funeral service will be conducted twelve noon on Tuesday November 27, 2012 at Belle Meade United Methodist Church with Rev. Tom Gldemeister officiating. Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family two hours prior to the service. Private placement to take place in Maryville, TN.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
November 27, 2012
Tom please know that you and your family are in my prayers. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Bobbie E.
November 27, 2012
Cathe Payne
I pray for my friend Tom, his father Joseph and his family today. There are no words.
November 26, 2012
Elaine Jay
In loving memory of a very special man to me. Know that you will always be in my heart. I will miss you always, but your incredible kindness and friendliness will be with me always!!! May your family find the peace that you are in the hands of our loving God! Love to your entire family!
November 26, 2012
Cathy Shaw
Aunt Dot and all of my cousins, I cannot remember a time when Uncle Joe wasn't smiling. He seemed to bring calm and peace whenever he was near. Our hearts ache with you with the loss. Please know we are with you in spirit and wish we could be there to hug each of you. With love and deepest sympathy...
Cathy Shaw and family
November 26, 2012
Thoughts and prayers are with Aunt Dot and our cousins during this difficult time. We will be there in spirit, although we are unable to be there in person. Much love, Kathy (Brown) Campbell and Karen (Brown) Williams
November 26, 2012
Craig Bonds
Thoughts and prayers for comfort go to Betsy Ott and extended family.
November 26, 2012
We all remember Uncle Joe as the driven, hard-working, patriotic leader of the Gillespie family. But, he is also warmly thought of as the loving family man who had a place in his heart for each of his children and a special love for their mothers. God certainly blessed our family with Joe's unique example of an honorable, Christian man. Our love and condolences to all our cousins and Aunt Dot. Although we cannot be there physically, please know you are each in our thoughts and prayers, always.
The Hill children-- Dale, Tom, Mike and Marybeth
November 26, 2012
Dick and Lyn Fisher
We have fond memories of your visits to Circleville Our sympathies to you at .this time
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Funeral services provided by:
Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Woodlawn Memorial Park660 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more