Bert Gillespie Jr.

Mr. Bert W. Gillespie, Jr., 87, of Greensboro, died Friday, April 3, 2015, with his family by his side in Whittier Center at Friends Homes Guilford following an extended illness. On Sept. 6, 1927, Bert was born to the late Bert W. and Ella Frye Gillespie in Rowan County. He grew up in Salisbury, graduating from Boyden High School. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy during World War II. With help of the GI Bill, he received his BS degree in Business Administration from Catawba College. Bert retired after 35 years with Jefferson Pilot Corporation, where he worked as Tax Accountant. Bert was a devoted member of First Christian Church, serving as deacon, elder and treasurer. In retirement Bert volunteered as an AARP tax preparer. He was a member of the Carolinas Cash Management Association, The American Legion Post 83, the Steve Millikin Black Cap Veterans Group and a former member of the Guilford College Civitan Club. He enjoyed running, gardening, the beach, traveling, his household pet cats and recently the resident cats at Whittier Center. Bert was a quiet and gentle man, a loving son, brother, husband and father. In addition to his parents, Bert was preceded in death by his sister, Evelyn Taylor, and his nephew, Mike Taylor of Gastonia. Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Barbara L. Gillespie; daughter Diane and son Brian of Greensboro, brother-in-law Dr. Kenneth Taylor, Jr. of Gastonia, nephews Dan Taylor of Richmond, VA, Kenneth Taylor, III of Raleigh and several very special cousins. Arrangements: A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 8, at 2 p.m. at First Christian Church, 1900 West Market St., Greensboro. Burial will follow at Westminster Gardens. Visitation: Friends will be received at 1 p.m. until service time at the church. Memorials: May be sent in lieu of flowers to The Children's Home Society, 604 Meadow St., Greensboro, NC 27405 or to First Christian Church, 1900 West Market St., Greensboro, NC 27403. The family wishes to extend grateful appreciation to the staff of Friends Home Guilford Whittier Center for their daily care and support during Bert's illness. Forbis & Dick-Guilford Chapel is assisting the family. Online condolences may be offered at www.forbisanddick.com.