Joseph Elfred Gillespie

Joseph Elfred Gillespie, 79, longtime Raleigh resident, passed away peacefully on June 11th, lovingly surrounded by family and friends. Joe was born in Rockingham County, NC on January 28, 1930 to James and Lelia Gillespie. He was a 1948 Reidsville High School graduate where he was a member of the football team. He then attended his beloved alma mater, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he graduated with a degree in Chemistry. He always cherished his time there and continued to be a lifelong Tarheel sports fan. After graduation, Joe served his country in the United States Army. He then went to work for the State of North Carolina as a chemist. Joe then went on to a career as District Sales Manager with Parke-Davis/Warner Lambert Pharmaceuticals until his retirement in 1991. Joe married his high school sweetheart, Betty Craddock, of Reidsville, North Carolina. They had one son, Joseph Stephen, and enjoyed a long and happy marriage until Betty\'s passing in 1992. Joe then met and married Beatrice P. Ware of Reidsville whom he cherished until his last moment. Joe and Bea spent many happy times fishing, playing golf and traveling together. Joe was a wonderful and loving husband, father, step-father and grandfather and will be deeply missed by his family. Joe was a long-time member of Ridge Road Baptist Church where he was a member of the Gibson Sunday School Class and served as Deacon, Committee Member and photographer at special events. He was also a faithful member of the UNC Chapel Hill Alumni Association. Joe was especially proud to be a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, where he briefly served as his group\'s Chaplain. He was also a proud and energetic member of the local Coast Guard Auxillary Flotilla. Joe is survived by his wife, Bea, his son Steve and his wife Stephanie and his grandson, Cameron. He is also leaves behind three wonderful step-children Cynthia, Dawn and her husband Ronald, and Ricky and his wife Pam; and three step-grandchildren Will, John and Ashley. A visitation will take place on Monday, June 15th at 10:00 a.m. at Ridge Road Baptist Church and the funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. The graveside service will take place at 3:30 p.m. at Reidlawn Cemetery on Barnes Street in Reidsville, North Carolina. Wilkerson Funeral Home will be handling local arrangements.