Basil Junior Gillespie age 85 of Axton died Tuesday April 10, 2012 at his home. He was born January 22, 1927 in Matoaka, WV to the late Dee Moyer and Nina Walls Gillespie. In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by two brothers, Stanley and Ancley "Buck" Gillespie, and one grandson Bobby Davidson.
He served in the U.S. Navy and was a retired Chief Boatswain's Mate First Class having 21 years of service, starting during WWII, and continuing thru Korea, Vietnam, the Dominican Republic Action, and was aboard ship during the Cuban Misslle Crisis off the coast of Cuba. He was awarded the WWII Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and two Occupation Medals. He also was a retired coal miner, and a member of the United Mineworkers of America. He had attended the Church of God.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Doris Williams Gillespie of the home, a son, David Gillespie of Lewisburg, NC, two daughters, Deborah Perry of Lewisburg, NC and Jessica Gillespie of Axton, a brother, Bobby Gillespie of Hiawatha, WV, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
His funeral service will be held on Friday, April 13, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel of Roselawn Funeral Home with Rev. Ken Cleveland officiating the service. Interment will follow with military rites by the Martinsville-Henry County Veterans Honor Guard in the Roselawn Burial Park. The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 12, 2012 from 6-8 p.m. in the chapel of Roselawn.
Arrangements are by Roselawn Chapel Funeral Home.