Harry Theodore Gillespie
1952 - 2025
September 23, 1952 – July 24, 2025
Harry Theodore Gillespie, a devoted Christ follower, passed away on July 24, 2025, at Atrium Health Baptist Hospital after a series of illnesses. He was 72 years old.
Harry was born on September 23, 1952, in Greensboro, North Carolina, to Ransome E. “Pete” Gillespie and Ann Lee Absher Gillespie. He was a twin to Larry Curtis Gillespie, who passed away in December 1952, and was the third of six children.
In 1962, after a motor vehicle accident left his mother paralyzed, Harry and four of his siblings went to live at The Children’s Home in Winston-Salem (now known as Crossnore Communities for Children). There, Harry found both support and opportunity. He excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. A 1970 issue of The Home Chronicle noted: “Harry has been a fine student and an outstanding athlete. He won the trophy at the Banquet of Champions as the athlete with the highest grade point average at The Children’s Home. He is an appreciative young man.”
After graduating from RJ Reynolds High School in 1970, Harry attended High Point College (now High Point University), earning a degree in business in 1974. He was a proud member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, where a fellow brother once said, “He brightened the room.” Harry began his career in manufacturing as a supervisor, later transitioning to the American Red Cross, working in the mobile blood bank division. He was known for his infectious laugh and remarkable memory for sports statistics—college and professional athletics were his favorite pastime.
Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Ann Gillespie; his twin brother, Larry; his brother, Ransome; uncles Ralph and Clinta Gillespie, Jerry Whitt, Bud Jolly, and Glenn Brown; and his aunt, Bernice Absher Jolly.
He is survived by his daughters, Alice and Maria Gillespie of Winston-Salem; his brothers Michael (Teresa) Gillespie and Don (Julie) Gillespie; his sisters Becky (Edward) Stepps and Cindy Cassels; and his special niece and nephew, Charlene Wilmoth and Curtis Evans. He is also survived by many loving relatives, including aunts and uncles Bonnie Brown, Susie Gillespie Whitt, and George (Linda) Gillespie; cousins Pete Jolly, Chris, Vickie, and Lynn Brown; Gillespie cousins Mark (Roxanne), Clinta (Nancy), Christy (Dennis), Melony, Holli (Alex), and Danna (Jon); and nieces and nephews Jennifer, Kelley, Beth, Jessica, Amanda, and Zane.
A graveside service will be held at Felts Memorial Cemetery, 846 Glendale Rd, Galax, VA 24333, onSaturday, September 27, 2025, at 2:00 p.m.
Genesis 4:9
“Afterward the Lord asked Cain, ‘Where is your brother? Where is Abel (Harry)?’ ‘I don’t know,’ Cain responded. ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’”
Sadly, in the later years of Harry’s life, there were times when his family did not know where he was or the state of his physical and mental health. Yet the love and concern his siblings held for him remained unwavering—a love rooted in faith. Harry’s belief in Christ and the grace he showed others were central to his life. His family takes comfort in knowing that he is now at peace in the presence of his Savior.
I remember Harry very well. He was in the same cottages at the Childrens Home with me and my twin brother Dennis. I remember him playing baseball and how fast he was. He was always kind to me. He was a great guy even back then. I don’t remember all the kids that were there with us but Harry, I remember well. It makes me very happy to know he was a strong believer in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. There is no life without the saving knowledge and grace found in Him. I know one day when life here on earth is over, we will be reunited with those we loved and miss so much. I so look forward to that time when there will be no more sadness and tears, no pain and the enemy of disease will be gone forever. I pray for Harry’s family that the Lord will give them the peace and comfort knowing that they too will see Harry again soon. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
I did not know Harry, David Philbeck, as y’all are/were much younger than I; however, it always does my heart good to know that a believer in Jesus Christ has joined Him in Heaven. Tks. for your tribute to Harry. Hope you are doing well.
I lived at the Children’s Home when Harry was there. I remember him being a sweet boy. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.