In loving memory of

John Lee Gillespie
July 5, 1928 - November 23, 2006

John Lee GillespieJohn Lee Gillespie, age 78, passed away Thanksgiving morning, November 23, 2006. He wrote this summary of his life prior to his death. I was born July 5, l928 to Tom and Alvina Gillespie. I was their only child and the apple of their eyes. After finishing the 5th grade in Austin, we moved to Dripping Springs. Those were happy days spent hunting, fishing and playing Cowboys and Indians with the Williamson boys. I finished high school in l945 and married my high school sweetheart, Lila Thielpape, in l946 at the First Baptist Church in Dripping Springs.After finishing barber college in l948, we had our first son, Don in l949, then Mike in l950, Connie Cissie in l955, and Jim in l956. In l951, I decided to pursue a different career and entered the Texas Highway Patrol. After completing training, I was assigned to security for Governor Alan Shivers and later to Governor Price Daniel. For an ol country boy, this was a most enjoyable time to be around so many prominent people including two presidents, many senators and movie actors.I went into the jewelry and loan business in l961. My wife and children were helping me with the foundation for a new building in l963 when I had my first heart attack. How proud I was of them when they came to the hospital and told me they had completed the foundation work. Our sons helped in the business after school, on Saturdays and sacrificed sports and other fun to help out. All four children finished college two CPAs, a business major and a teacher. Several years later, two sons came into the business with us, and Lila and I retired to the ranch on Ranch Road 12. Our children and grandchildren enjoyed the ranch, cattle, wildlife and exploring.Tragedy hit our family in l989 when our son Mike was going home from work and was hit head-on by a drunk driver and was killed, leaving a wife, ten-year-old daughter Jenny and eight-year-old son Jason.Several years later, we purchased a coast home in Port OConnor and that was some of the most memorable days of my life were spent bay and offshore fishing and hanging out with my family. Other special memories involved our wonderful friends Jack and Ruth Huey, Lee and Lonnie Rutter, Dayton and Wanda Warden, and many other friends.I am survived by Lila, my wife of 60 years, son Don and wife Aileen, son Jim and wife Jan, and daughter Connie and husband Dale Vaclavik; grandchildren Jenny, Megan, Jason, Dane, Matt, Mike, Tara, Bodie and Tess; great grandson Michael; brother-in-law Reverend Joel Thielpape and wife Ann.As I look back, I have been blessed beyond measure with a good family, many friends, a good church especially the Silver Saints Sunday class, pretty good health and a good appetite what more can a man ask for?On Sunday, the family will receive friends at the Harrell Funeral Chapel in Dripping Springs from 4 - 6 p.m. Funeral services will be held Monday at 10:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Dripping Springs with burial at the Phillips Cemetery.Pallbearers are Dale, Dane and Matt Vaclavik, Jason and Mike Gillespie, and Dayton Warden, Jr. Honorary pallbearers are Dain and LaDonna Higdon, Jim and Barbara McCarty, Cal and Maurine Harris, Chuck and Rhoda Dickens, Jack and Mary Sue Lyle, Frank and Kathleen Raymond, James and Dorothy Martin, Bill and Iola Adams, Jack and Ruthie Huey, Wayne and Nancy Moore, Richard and Diane Bowen, Charlie and Betty Haydon, Alva and Willie Mae Haydon and Buz and Margaret Allert.The family would like to offer special thanks to the staff of VistaCare. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Phillips Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 557, Dripping Springs, TX 78620. Guest book and obituary available online at harrellfuneralhomes.com Harrell Funeral Chapel Dripping Springs, TX 512-858-5666 512-858-5666

Tributes

Peggy Dyess wrote on Jan 1, 2007:

"You will always be in my heart and never forgotten. Love your Daughter-in-law, Peggy Dyess"

Jenny and Jason Gillespie wrote on Jan 1, 2007:

"Papo will be dearly missed especially by the grandchildren. He always had a way to make things special, whether it was walks on the little road or checking on the cattle to swinging on the front porch swing, for us grandchildren we will never forget. Thanks Papo for enriching our lives with appreciation for the simple things in life- love and devotion. We will miss you dearly and you will always be in our hearts. Love Jenny and Jason Gillespie"

Denise, David, John, and Emily Vaclavik wrote on Nov 30, 2006:

"May your memories carry you thru these difficult times."

Elizabeth Childress wrote on Nov 27, 2006:

"To the Gillespies- I am sorry for your loss. I heard only great things about Mr. Gillespie. May he rest in peace."

doreen ryan wrote on Nov 27, 2006:

"I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Gillespie was a wonderful man and we are lucky to have had him be part of our family. Love, Doreen"

Randy Leo wrote on Nov 27, 2006:

"Lila and Family, Please accept our deepest sympathies at the loss of John. Sincerely, Randy Leo Margaret Leo Jack Leo"

Skip and Dominique Levens wrote on Nov 27, 2006:

"Lila and family, Please accept our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to you and your family. You are in our prayers."

Mike and Karen Johnson wrote on Nov 26, 2006:

"To Lila and family, John was loved by many people because of the love that he shared with others. He never met a stranger. His warmth and sense of humor will be greatly missed by all who knew him."

Wayne Hohman wrote on Nov 26, 2006:

"Lila & the Kids, It is with great sadness that I learned of John Lee's passing. He was always bigger than life and yet, as a gentle as a kitten. He will be missed, BUT NEVER forgotten. Sincerest condolences!"

Maureen and David Martinez wrote on Nov 26, 2006:

"May your cherished memories bring you peace at this difficult time."

Chuck & Rhoda Dickens wrote on Nov 26, 2006:

"We will always remember John's Sweet Smile. When he smiled it made us Smile. We'll miss seeing who could make more trips to the Pot-Luck Suppers. We love you Dearly, Lila."

J.R. and Erline Roberts wrote on Nov 26, 2006:

"We are so saddened by the news of John Lee's passing. Lila, know that he is in God's presence now. And that God will strengthen you through the coming days. J.R. was so impressed by you at Dillie's funeral. He said you were quite a lady. Love, Erline and J.R."

Bill & Donna Mercer wrote on Nov 26, 2006:

"I have many fond memories of John Lee. I am the daughter of A.B. and Dimple Cauthen. Please accept our sympathies."

Kathy & Tim Shugart wrote on Nov 26, 2006:

"Our prayers are with you. Lila, momma Nancy sends her love. All of our deepest condolences."

Aileen Ryan Gillespie wrote on Nov 25, 2006:

"From the first time I met you till the last time I saw you I will always remember your warmth, your smile and your kindness. It was my priviledge to be your daughter-in-law. Thanks for making me so welcomed in your wonderful family! I will miss your! Love always, Aileen"

Gary & Marva Gillespie wrote on Nov 25, 2006:

"Our sincere condolences to Lila and all of John Lee's family."

Adri Archer wrote on Nov 25, 2006:

"Megan and family, My sincerest condolences for your loss. Your family is in my prayers."

Marcene wrote on Nov 25, 2006:

"The Lancaster and Gillespie families go back many years to PTA meetings at Dawson Elementery School and Cub and Boy Scout adventures in the 1960s. As a child,I remember when Jimmy Dean sang "Big Bad John." I always felt it was written about John Gillespie. He was bigger than life in my eyes and one "helluva" man. My parents kept in touch and visited John and Lila in Dripping Springs through the retirement years. I drove many miles down Ranch Road 12 and thought of them often. To Lila, the children and grandchildren, November 23, we lost a "helluva" man on earth but he will be on the banks of Jordan waiting for us with my Dad as we cross into our eternal home. God bless you all as you grieve his lost. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Marcene and Lucille Lancaster"