Joseph Stras Gillespie Jr.

Joseph Stras Gillespie Jr., 76, of Severna Park, Md., died on June 29, 2009 at home, from complications of Parkinson's Disease. He was born on Feb. 20, 1933 in Tazewell, Va. Mr. Gillespie graduated from Hampden-Sydney College and attended University of Virginia for Graduate School. He served as an aviator in the US Navy. Mr. Gillespie worked for the C & P Telephone Company and was a longtime Coach in Anne Arundel County. He coached for Junior Varsity Girl's Basketball, Girl's Softball and Boy's Baseball. He also coached AAU basketball and coached teams for the Greater Severna Park Athletic Association Green Hornets where he served on the board of directors. The GSPAA named a playing field for Mr. Gillespie at Kinder Park. He was a member of Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church in Severna Park. He enjoyed sports, the symphony, theatre, traveling and being with his family. Mr. Gillespie is survived by his wife Gale Branch Gillespie, a son James Selwyn Gillespie of Charlottesville, Va., and daughters Ellen G. Oakes and Emily G. Clement, both of Severna Park. He was also the grandfather of Dustin, Joe, and Elyse Purdy, Rachel, Rebecca, Olivia, and Gabe Clement, Ethnie, Will, and Sam Gillespie, and Jeannette, Austin and Trevor Oakes. Family and friends visited at Barranco & Sons, P.A. Severna Park Funeral Home on Wed., July 1, from 6-9 p.m. Memorial services were held at Woods Memorial Presbyterian Church on Thurs., July 2, at 1 p.m. Inurnment was in the Church Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the GSPAA Green Hornets, P.O. Box 643, Severna Park, MD 21146 or to Woods Memorial Church Endowment Fund, 611 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd, Severna Park, MD 21146. Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com