David Anthony Gillespie, father, friend, expert outdoorsman, jack of all trades, picked up his golden rod and reel
and made his first cast in Heaven on February 3, 2024.
David, age 70, was born in Bluefield, West Virginia on May 21, 1953, to the late Basil Gillespie, and the late Lillian
Gross. David had a late sister, Deborah Gillespie, and a surviving sister Jessica Gillespie. David was of the
Pentecostal faith. David has two surviving children, Tonya Gillespie and Jeremy Gillespie. He never missed a chance to tell them that he loved them. David spent his formative years in Norfolk, Virginia as a Navy brat. There he grew a love for ocean fishing and
surfing. He later returned to West Virginia where he channeled his energy under the hood of a car, fishing every
body of water, and acquiring the nickname "Mountain Man; due to his survival skills and well-grown beard. He later
moved to Martinsville, Virginia to continue driving and spent over 20 years as a truck driver, along the East Coast
and Midwest. David spent his last years living a simple life. His priorities were his children, his dog Ruby, and
sitting outside in the early morning drinking coffee and smoking a cigarette. That's when he liked to plan "projects"
for the day or prep his tackle box.
If there are legacies that we leave in life, David's would read something like this; David loved life and enjoyed all
that it offered. He was a true friend to the ones he knew and made friends with the ones he didn't. "There's never a dull
moment with David around" has been said repeatedly. David found his peace and God's presence in all things
nature. He passed this quality and appreciation down to his children. David loved and was loved dearly.
David will have a small service at a later date in West Virginia. He will be surrounded by his family and close
friends. It's not a goodbye but until we see you again.
Do a good deed for a stranger in David's name and honor.