James Alvin "Al" Gillespie

James Alvin “Al” Gillespie, age 92 of Griffin, passed away on Sunday, March 11, 2018 at Atlanta Medical Center.

Mr. Gillespie was born in Meriwether County, Georgia, on January 4, 1926. He is preceded in death by his parents, William Lenoar Gillespie and Lily Louise Daniel Gillespie; first loving wife of 49 years, Geraldine “Gerry” Gillespie; sister, Edith Pearl Gillespie. After serving as a Navy radioman in World War II and the Korean War, he had long careers as an air traffic controller and real estate agent.  He was a member of First United Methodist Church, AMBUCS and NARFE, serving as chapter president for five years.  He enjoyed playing amateur baseball in the Navy and around Atlanta.

He is survived by his precious wife, Louise “Lou” Patterson Gillespie; son, Jeffrey “Jeff” Gillespie (Paula); daughters, Kimberly “Kim” Linden (Richard), Carla Gillespie (Paul John); stepson, Lewis Patterson (Katie); eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brother, Elmer Gillespie; several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A visitation for Mr. Al Gillespie will be Saturday, March 17, 2018 from 12:30 pm until 2:00 pm at First United Methodist Church of Griffin, Welcome Center. Following the visitation, a funeral service will be conducted in the sanctuary. Dr. Med Roach and Reverend Andrew Covington will officiate. Interment will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.

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