Thomas Gillespie Obituary

Thomas Evan Gillespie, Jr., 81, passed from his blessed earthly life on Wednesday, January 13, 2016.

Tom's life began in Pensacola Florida where his father was training to become a Naval Aviator. The influence of the people he met while living in many parts of the country during his father's military career profoundly shaped his life and character. Tom consistently offered ongoing encouragement and emphasized positive life values with family, friends and people he worked with (often by sharing his stories!!)

In his younger days he attended schools in several locations of the country and then studied English and Philosophy at Vanderbilt University on an NROTC scholarship. There he was a cheerleader, became the Commodore Mascot of the football team and chose the Marine Corp option which was a questionable choice for the son of Navy officer!.

During his Marine Corp days in the infantry he adopted the role of "encourager" and leader of "team spirit". He also had opportunities to fly with pilots aboard the Saratoga which inspired him to apply for flight school at Pensacola Florida and eventually he earned his "wings of gold" upon graduating in Kingsville Texas.

After meeting his military commitment for flight school, he decided to enter the civilian workforce and began a sales career in 1963 with the Container Division of International Paper Company in Georgetown South Carolina. Again, using his talents of leadership and encouragement, his successes were rewarded with promotions (and relocations) into management and his final assignment with IP was as District Manager with offices again in Georgetown where he retired after a 33 year career.

Tom loved people and community involvement. His commitment to his faith has always been evident through his participation in many ministries of Presbyterian churches, wherever his family lived. These include serving as choir member, elder, and Sunday School teacher.

He also reached out to the community through various organizations including Rotary where he served as President but his love was the Rotary Reader program when he tutored children in elementary schools. Tom served as a board member of Georgetown Marine Institute in its early days, board member of St Andrews College and President of Georgetown Homeowners Association.

A bit of sporting equipment has been collected during the years...golf stuff, fishing stuff and hunting stuff...all used for great outings and fodder for new stories!

His first love has been his family. His parents were his father, Thomas Evan Gillespie and his mother, Wilma Jane Stephens Gillespie. Also dear to him were his in-laws, E.C. and Julian Morgan. By chance he met the love of his life, Sarah (Sally) Clyde Morgan from Cedartown Georgia, his bride for 55 years. Pride was always on his lips when speaking about his daughters, Emory Ann Gillespie (Bob) and Susan Hays Gillespie Elliott (Tim). Grandchildren Tom Henry, Raina, Austin, Wesley and Julian have always brought joy to his life and he to theirs. With much sorrow, the family lost Susan to illness in 2009, and more recently Tom's sister, Jane Gillespie Starling. His interactions with nieces and nephews have been times of sharing, loving experiences and laughter. His love and care will always be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A Memorial service will be held Sunday, January 17 at Georgetown Presbyterian Church at 3:00 pm with a reception afterwards.

Sign a guest book at www.mayerfuneralhome.com

Memorials may be made to Georgetown Presbyterian Church, 558 Black River Road, Georgetown, SC 29440 or Peacehaven Community Farm, 1458 NC Highway 61, Whitsett, NC 27377, the inspiration of daughter, Susan, providing permanent housing for adults with disabilities.

The Georgetown Chapel of Mayer Funeral Home is assisting the family.