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Joey Gillispie Obituary
62 of Louisville passed away Friday, April 10, 2015.
He was born February 20, 1953 in Louisville, the son of James and Flora Gillispie. He was preceded in death by his father; sister, Lana Akins and brother, Paul Reed Gillispie.
Joey loved being an entertainer and making people happy, he was a founding member of Lamont Gillispie and 100 proof Blues, a co-founder of the Germantown-Schnitzelburg Blues Festival and was also a member of the Kentuckiana Blues Society.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Katie; his children, Kristi, Josh and Jimmy (Nicole); his mother, Flora Dean; brother, Jimmy Gillispie; sister, Brenda Kimes; two nieces, two nephews; seven great-nieces and nephews; his dogs, Maso and Nadine; numerous bandmates over the years and his beloved music community.
A service to celebrate Joey's life will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, April 13, 2015 in the chapel of Arch L. Heady Russman & Sons, 1201 E. Oak St. Burial will follow at St. Michael Cemetery. Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m. Sunday and from 10 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday at the funeral home.
Expressions of sympathy may be given to Musicians Emergency Relief Fund (MERF) or Ozannam Inn at St. Vincent de Paul.
Please visit www.archlheadyeastoak.com to leave a condolence for the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joey Gillispie
February 22, 2019
I'm sorry for your loss. May the true God of comfort, comfort those mourning and bind up the broken-hearted.
Isaiah 61:1,2
Aloyce Hettinger-Black
September 11, 2015
I am so sad to learn about Joey!
Truly "The Music-Man!" I remember his last day of work at Denzingers, He said he was "going on-the-road to "LIVE" the Blues with/from the Masters & he wasn't coming back till he got it!" That was many moons ago! He was so passionate about family,music, friends and life! It was a honor to know him and grateful for his contribution to Germantown, Louisville and all who got to experience Joey and his Magic Music!
May 6, 2015
Such a great blues man!! Loved the harmonica playing. He and the band is the only reason we came to the State Fair. So very sorry for the family. Four Friends from KY.
Tom Eilers
April 15, 2015
Sorry to see my blues brother and my friend pass .He is up they playing for the angels.
Barbara Lending
April 15, 2015
Joey, I knew you were sick and now you're gone. Playing with Little Walter and the best of them. You taught me a lot about the blues and I love you for that. xoxoxo
Debbie Luckett (Taylor)
April 15, 2015
So sorry to hear about the loss of Joey. I met him thru a friend years ago and thought the world of him. Fantastic harmonica player and I loved his music. RIP Joey
Cheryl Spickard (Oechslin)
April 15, 2015
Joey was the best Blues musician we had here in Louisville! He was true Blues from the tip of his Harmonica to the bottom of his toe-tapping spats. I followed Joey from venue to venue whenever I heard he was playing. He's personally done some great favors for me. He performed for my daughter's 30th birthday party as well as for her cancer benefit before she died. He was a big hearted man and the whole community will miss him greatly!
Thanks for your love and music Joey!
Joey - You'll be missed by many. So sad...
Lynn & Zelmo Diebold
April 14, 2015
Steve Buford Walls
April 14, 2015
Joey it was always a pleasure to share the stage with you. Katie and the family I am so sorry for your loss.
Diane Kimsey-Minor
April 13, 2015
Dear Katie and boys,
It is Monday night and we just now got a call from a friend in Louisville. I am so sorry. If there is anything that I can do to help you please let me know. You know that I love you all.
Diane, Rick and Mark
April 13, 2015
Dear Mrs.Gillispie, I had the pleasure of taking care of your husband twice .He was a gentle , kind man always with a smile on his face. Prayers for your family.
daniel willett
April 13, 2015
Joey was awesome to work with...if you were ever looking for something to do or choose a band to go out and see and he was performing...it made the decision easy. He was always approachable With the many fond memories of that period in my life even when things would get a little bit apprehensive...Joey would laugh and have to remind me..."That's why the call you the wild man"
April 13, 2015
I will miss my music friend. Each time I saw him he put a smile on my face. I loved his hugs and his smile. Prayers are with the family.
Mary Mann
Rosemary
April 13, 2015
You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Rosemary, from the Blues Society.
joe flanagan
April 13, 2015
Will miss you Joey..friend forever..rest in peace..
Judith Brooks
April 13, 2015
So sorry to hear that Lamont has passed, we will truly miss seeing you perform with that awesome Harmonica., you made people happy, may God grant peace to your love ones....
~~~ Robert Frost ~~~
Brian Dusel
April 13, 2015
Joey was one of the good guys and he showed it in so many ways. May God bless and comfort you all during these terrible times of sorrow and pain.
Rest in Peace Dear Joey....
Richard and Cindy Berger
April 13, 2015
We sure will miss you Joey, you've been a part of our lives since 100 Proof played at our wedding in 2001. To Jimmie and all of the family, our condolences are with you.
Greta
April 13, 2015
So sorry to hear of his passing. He was truly a favorite patient in this office. He was such a sweet kind man and a always came in with a smile and very thankful for everything. I will certainly miss him. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Jennifer Washle
April 13, 2015
So, so sorry! Lamont was on of a kind. Many prayers to all of the family.
Bonnie Duncan
April 13, 2015
You will be missed.
RIP
April 12, 2015
Lamont was such a gifted musician. He brought great joy to so many people over the years. I am so sad to hear of his passing, and hope his family will find solace in their memories of this very special man.
Scott Montgomery
April 12, 2015
I will always remember the kindness Lamont showed me when I asked him questions about the blues and harp playing. He took the time to explain things that I remember to this day.
peggy franklin
April 12, 2015
Loved the music. Blues fans will miss you. I am sure you are flying high today.
April 12, 2015
Dear Katie, Josh, Joey and Kristi,
I have so many memories of you all. You were so much a part of our life, Brendan and me. First of all, unlike most fans, I was always amazed at your incredible child-rearing capabilities amidst a true rock n roll life. Second, Katie I'll always remember you out there listening to your man, and last but not least, Joey's incredible electric performances. He gave his all playing and just plain living. I am so very sorry to hear of his passing. Brendan and I will be there one way or another. Love to you all, Brendan McGee's mom (Peggy).
April 12, 2015
To the "family" of Lamont, prayers and love and hugs to you. He was a fantastic person, and a wonderful musician. He will always be in our hearts through his music.
Christy Gahn
April 12, 2015
I dedicate our Annual Kentucky State Fair Tablecloth Party at the Bud Tent this year to Lamont Gillispie. So sorry for your loss.
April 12, 2015
Lamont was my FAVORTE Blues Musician. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. May you Rest in Peace Lamont.
Donna Lee
Bob Bush
April 12, 2015
Joey was/is one of the best! Always enjoyed hearing him and the band, or running into him at Krogers, just "being here now". He always had time for you, right from the heart! We'll miss you brother.
Cookie Tiller
April 12, 2015
Joey, you fought the courageous fight of all. Now will be your time to sing with the Angels and shine down on us. You will be greatly missed by all of whom you touched. God speed my friend.
steve lanham
April 12, 2015
So sorry to hear!My favorite local blues player in Lou.Ky Listened to stray cats at Willow Park Sun nights may-sept 7-9 cocert RIP
Tom Atwell
April 12, 2015
Good-bye old friend.....Play on..
Paul Mattingly
April 12, 2015
Got to see Joey play many times. Was encouraged when he battled back a couple of years ago. Sorry to see his harp quiet. Condolences to his family
Jason Witt
April 12, 2015
I will be praying for you guys. Jimmy, if you need anything, let me know.
Rebecca Decker
April 12, 2015
My thoughts and Prayes are with you all
Greg Mason
April 12, 2015
Joe had more class than anyone I ever met, he was also one of the most sincere,compassionate,reliable and unique individuals who always kept his cool.He had a child like perspective on life and, I believe he had a positive outlook on life to the end. He'll be missed by everyone who was fortunate enough to have known him.R.I.P Brother
Sparky
April 12, 2015
Like all great entertainers,your wonderful music will live on to be shared by all who knew you and those who have yet to discover you. Play on Mr. Bluesman. We will miss you terribly.
You gave a GREAT Show of Life.[RIP].
Ronald Lewis
April 12, 2015
Here,s to A Real blues Man.Play with "the Big Band" now.RIP From "the MR.Wonderful Production Band".
virginia mcmonigle
April 12, 2015
So glad I was able to talk with you a few years back....and to hear you play at the various places. You were one of the greatest harp players, could really draw the crowd, no one was able to just "sit" through your performance! You will be missed by so many and remembered for all you have done in the "blues" to so many. RIP Joey, and prayers to your family and friends.
James Williams
April 12, 2015
A true staple in Louisville Music and a true Bluesman. Rest in eternal peace my friend
Dave Schmitt
April 12, 2015
Hope "The Saints" up there are as much fun as they were down here. Already miss ya brother! Keep on shufflin' !
Sylvia Walters
April 12, 2015
Words cannot express the sense of loss our local music community has experienced by this loss. Katie you must feel the loss the most of all, I will keep you and your family in prayer. I will miss you so much, that grin and that look on your face while you were singing a love song or when you were jamming on your harp. You only played the blues, you lived the life of a bluesman and we are all the better for it. Rest in Peace. You, Jimmy, and Ricky and Tim are all playing with the greats.
April 12, 2015
Godspeed Lamont. Thanks for the music and the yellow shoes.
Joe DeGeorge
April 12, 2015
My condolences to the family, Joey will truly be missed. The first thing I think of when seeing him was that friendly smile he always had. God speed brother !
April 11, 2015
JOEY I'll miss our conversations, but I'll never forget when we met in '73, and were both excited to find another person as fanatic about the Blues. Thanks for being a friend.
Chet
Nancy Woods
April 11, 2015
I had the pleasure of meeting Lamont in Glasgow, Ky at The Plaza, and at Johnettas in Bowling Green, with Greg Martins Stray Cats Blues Band! He was a sweet man, and a Great Musician. He will be missed........... The Blues are playing in Heaven..........................
Sandra Marshall
April 11, 2015
My heart is saddened to here this news. I had the honor of meeting Lamont at Huber's winery two summer ago and I was hooked on his amazing voice. I had the pleasure of seeing him and the band several more times but last year I had the honor of talking with Lamont one on one and I ask him if he would sign my hat I had on and he did. I will treasure his music, talent and kind words for my lifetime. Heaven has surly gained another Angel. Rest In Peace play the blues for my Mama from me . You may be gone but my Friend I for one will never forget you nor your amazing talent. prayers for the Family.
jacque buchinsky
April 11, 2015
One of the first and by far most loyal customer at the Atomic Saucer from beginning to end, Gtown won't be the same without you, what a great human being.
Susie Q Gentry
April 11, 2015
You've gone home to sing some blues to the angels. We will miss your harp and generous heart. God rest your soul.
Larry Ferguson
April 11, 2015
When I think about Lamont Gillispie I've always thought of him as Louisville's John Mayall, not only a great Ambassador of the Blues and a talent on his own but he always had a good ear for other talent. Most people wouldn't know Ricky Mason, Mark Stein, Spoony, Byron Davies or Mark Bright and many others if not for Lamont. Lamont was also a very giving man, I use to joke that he would do a benefit for a musician with athletes feet if he was asked! I meant that with the most heart felt respect as an example of just how much he cared about people and his fellow musicians. The great thing is he got to see that love given back with the huge turn outs for the many benefit's that were held for him in the last few years. For the last 30 years when you thought of blues in Louisville you would be hard pressed to think of many bands other than Lamont which says a lot about his dedication to this art form, from rock, disco, heavy metal, punk, alternative, country no matter what the trend he stuck to his guns because every drop of blood, sweet or tear's he shed it came from the blues and the blues is alright! God bless you and may you rest in peace Lamont Joey Gillispie this worlds better for knowing you.
Jimmy Bowling
April 11, 2015
Jimmy I'm so sorry for the loss of Joey. I loved listening to his music. Always so much fun where ever he was playing. The Kentucky State Fair will never be the same. Sending Prayers to you and all of Joey's family.
Danny Hord
April 11, 2015
RIP My friend..
Bobby McMillan
April 11, 2015
It sounds a bit cliche' but, Joey was truly a sweet heart of a person. All through out his illnesses he remained one or the most positive people I've ever had the pleasure to know. Joey was always quick with a smile a warm hug and would have done anything for anyone. I love you man !! My thoughts and prayers are with Katie, family and friends. God bless you Joey ... RIP.
Debbie D Wilson
April 11, 2015
You fought the good fight, Joey -- you will be sorely missed. I always enjoyed your music. Condolences to the family - may your memories give you comfort. (Debbie, Kentuckiana Blues Society)
Jeannie Harris
April 11, 2015
Katie, Kristi, Josh and Jimmy, we are so sorry for your loss. Joe was such a great person inside and out. I will miss hearing him play his harmonica on the front steps and seeing his heart-warming smile. I don't think in all the years I have known Joe, to ever see him without that smile. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers. If you need anything, you know where we are. Love you guys. Jeannie, Steve, Chris and Tony Harris
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Arch L. Heady & Son Funeral Directors1201 East Oak Street, Louisville, KY 402041685
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