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Raymond Leon Gillespie, of Midland, TX, passed away at his home on December 17, 2014. Leon was born March 29, 1937 to Jim and Otilla Gillespie in Dawson County, TX, near the Harmony Community. He attended school at Harmony until moving to O'Donnell, TX in 1949. He then moved to Carlsbad, New Mexico for four years and then in 1953 to Las Cruces, New Mexico. Leon graduated from Las Cruces High School in 1955. After graduation, he began serving his country in the United States Navy, serving two years active duty as First Class Radarman and six years Reserve. Leon married Irene (McKay) on June 22, 1958 in Draw, TX and they made their home in Kermit, TX. He worked as Assistant Manager for Food Mart Inc. and later worked for Lawrence Hicks Appliance, Heating and Cooling. In 1964, Leon began his career with El Paso Natural Gas in Jal, New Mexico. He was a Draftsman in the Engineering Dept. After being transferred to Midland, TX and El Paso, TX, he retired in 1996 after 32 years of service and Irene retired from the Texas School System after 26 years. They then moved back to Midland, TX. Leon is survived by his wife, Irene Gillespie of Midland, TX; daughter, Cindy and husband David Caldwell of Kingwood, TX; grandson, Chase Caldwell of Houston, TX; granddaughter, Chelsey Caldwell of Dallas, TX. Leon loved his family and always prayed that his family would come to the Lord and accept Christ as their savior. Leon and Irene have attended Worship Services at Westside Church of Christ on Illinois Ave, Midland, TX, since moving back to Midland in 1996. After retiring, Leon and Irene were active with their RV and traveled to the Colorado and New Mexico mountains every summer and then to the Rio Grande Valley during the winter months. Leon loved "picking and grinning" with his friends at the RV Park. He was known to tell a story or two and was very much a people person. He loved to be around friends and always wanted to help others any way he could. Visitation will be from 6-8 pm Thursday, December 18, 2014 at Sunset Funeral Home. Graveside Service will be at 10:00 am on Friday, December 19, 2014 at Sunset Memorial Gardens. A Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 pm Friday, December 19, 2014 at Westside Church of Christ, 4410 W. Illinois, Midland, TX with Mike Vestal officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Sunset Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home. To send family condolences please sign the guest registry at www.sunsetodessa.com.
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My heart aches for the loss of my good Christian friend, Leon, who sent me many a humorous email that lifted my spirit. May God comfort you, Irene and the rest of the family during this time of great loss.
Michael Riley
January 13, 2015
Irene, Cindy and family, so sorry for your loss of Leon. Leon and you were a part of our life at one time, until we all moved on to another place. Please know we care and are thinking about you.
James and Jodie Kingston
December 19, 2014
Leon and Irene were truly an inspiration and wonderful friends to me. My thoughts and prayers are with you Irene
and I love you.
Mary Keown
December 19, 2014
We feel blessed to have shared many a campfire with Leon and Irene. When you share their fire you also shared their music, humor, and their love. Leon was a special man (who else could get electricity up in the mountains when no one else had it). He was willing to help anyone and seemed to carry a hardware store in that camper. Leon and Irene came into our lives at a time of need and We are so glad they did. That is a blessing. John and Wanda from Conroe.
December 18, 2014
Leon will be greatly missed. We truly loved the time we were able to spend with him. Larry and Frankie
December 18, 2014
I am so sorry for the loss of Leon -- he was a sweet person and pleasant to be around -- we have been at Westside a short while but i have grown very fond of Leon and Irene ----with our love to you Irene
Glenda and Rodney Southerland
December 18, 2014
Words fail us, but we know that Jesus is shaking Leon's hand and asking him to "pick" a few tunes. Daddy and David are waiting with him as well. We love you Irene's!
Vickie (Gillespie) Dobson
December 18, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Leon and Irene meant so much to Gene and Edith. Lots of fun times.
Rick and Becky
December 18, 2014
Leon was a wonderful, loving, caring Husband, Dad & Grandpa! Our family loved him ~ keep your memories close to your heart! Praying for comfort for all!
Janice Fox
December 18, 2014
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Sunset Memorial Gardens & Funeral Home6801 E. Business 20, Odessa, TX 79762
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