Thomas Andrew Gillespie was born in Tazewell, Virginia on April 17, 1936 to Grat and Kate Gillespie. He was the fourth of four children. Thomas grew up in Tazewell, but also called the Bluefields of the Virginia’s home. During his life, Thomas held many jobs. He held positions in the construction and demolition industries. He also worked at the nearby coal mines. However, his favorite job as a young man was working the projectors at the local theater in Bluefield, WV – and that is where he saw and chased the woman he later married, Geneva Justice. Thomas courted Geneva in 1954 and they were married in 1955. Together, they had five children and enjoyed 67 years of marriage until Geneva passed on January 20, 2023, two days shy of their 68th wedding anniversary. Thomas eventually became a steel fabricator and stayed in that industry until his retirement.

Thomas was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on October 25, 1969. He made time to serve his God, Jehovah, while working secularly, keeping up a 2-acre farm, and raising a family. His love of animals and gardening brought him closer to his Creator. He longed for the coming promised paradise where wickedness and death would be done away with. He spent many hours preaching this good news because he wanted everyone to know Jehovah and the promises found in the scriptures.

He and Geneva moved to Merritt Island, FL in 2006 and they spent many years enjoying the warmth of Florida summers while making many new friends in their local congregation and with their new neighbors. Thomas passed peacefully on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 and now awaits to be called back to life by his creator in the coming paradise.

He is survived by all his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren:

Buddy Arnold Gillespie, his wife Inge and her two daughters Kristina Younger and Jaime Hatfield as well as Kristina’s son Jaylen Younger.

Becky Sue Akers and her son, Aaron Akers. Aaron’s older brother, Erik Akers, preceded Thomas in death, and is survived by his two children Emily and Tyler Akers.

Ronald Lee Gillespie, and his wife Mary along with their children Amanda Morris, her husband Richard and son Oliver, and Laura Gillespie and her son Reagan Garlow.

Peggy Gillespie Mized, and her Husband Lutfi Mized and son Sami Mized and his wife Mascha.

And the youngest child, Sean Troy Gillespie.