William Jean Gillespie

William “Bill” Jean Gillespie, 87, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2021 after a lengthy and valiant battle with Alzheimer’s. Formerly of Chattanooga, TN, he had been a resident of Knoxville since 2016. Mr. Gillespie was born March 23, 1934 to William (Bill) and Helen Nunier Gillespie in Butler Township, Franklin County, Indiana. He enjoyed time with family especially outdoors gardening, fishing and boating. As a young man he faithfully served his country as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne.

He leaves behind his devoted wife Shirley, and loving son Michael Gillespie of Knoxville, former daughter-in-law Kym Gillespie Bryant (Chip), granddaughters Ashlyn Gillespie Bryant and Summer Bryant all of Knoxville, brothers David and Ronnie Gillespie and sister Lula Gillespie, sister-in-law Jewel Whitley, brother-in-law James Smith, and special niece Sandy Phillips.

Preceded in death by his parents, brothers Danny and Melvin, aunt and uncle Lula Mae and Lonnie Webb, his grandparents Menzie and Jessie Gillespie and John and Barbara Nunier, father-in-law and mother-in-law Ray and Pauline Smith. Mr. Gillespie will be laid to rest during a private family service with full military honors. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org. 

Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Gillespie family and invites you to view and sign the online registry. 

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