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William C. Gillispie
1936 - 2022
William C. Gillispie
1936 - 2022
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1936
DIED
2022
William Gillispie Obituary
William C. Gillispie, age 86, of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away Wednesday, December 21, 2022. Beloved husband of Mabel Gillispie, nee Rust. Loving father to Susan (Alan) Fluga, William (Gretchen Schmit) Gillispie Jr., and Kelly (Gregory) Invergo. Cherished grandfather to Ryan (Krista) Strukoff, Lisa Fluga and Benjamin (Arien) Fluga. Dear great-grandfather to Grace Kelly Strukoff, Lucy May Strukoff and Esmae Lily Fluga. Preceded in death by parents Varney and Minnie Gillispie; siblings Alonzo, Geneva, Ola, Roscoe, Lane and Edith. William was a proud veteran of the United States Navy. William will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 28, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. until time of Funeral Service at 7:00 p.m. at Steger Memorial Chapel, 3045 Chicago Rd., Steger, IL. Family requests no flowers be sent but would appreciate memorial donations to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. For further information, please contact 708-755-6100 or visit our online obituary and guestbook at www.SMITSFH.com.
23 Entries
Stephen Capling
January 20, 2023
Billy, I´ll miss you forever
Steve Capling
Judith BaloghBalogh
December 30, 2022
To the Gillispie Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. I have a lot of fond memories of Mr. Gillispie. I must say my favorites were from the Christmas breakfast every year. Celebrating Christmas morning with the family. Good food, good fellowship. May God grant you all the Peace that surpasses all Understanding and Grant you Peace. My Love to all,
Judy Balogh
Tom Hanson
December 29, 2022
I met Bill Sr in August of 1982. It was in front of Watterson Towers and he was helping Billy move in to our dorm room. I noticed a slight “twang” in his voice and he wore a big smile. Each time I saw him over the next decades he always brought that big smile with him.
I realized fairly quickly Sr. had a big influence on Billy as we were shopping at Cub Foods and my 19 year old roomie was explaining to the manager why his cookie aisle was displayed incorrectly. In my family, we tend to be friendly with our Jewel store mangers. I was no exception and always began an introduction with “do you know Bill Gillispie?” The answer always came back with “which one?” The comments on Bill Sr always included the air of “discipline” or “he was tough.” But you just knew in his career he commanded the respect of many people.
That discipline is obvious in his children and grandchildren, and I imagine key to the success they have had in their respective careers.
I saw Bill as a family man that was half the team to produce a wonderful, now large, family. He was a true Chicagoan. I always got a kick out of seeing Mae and Bill in their Chicago sports gear before a game or before going on a long walk in the city.
I am so glad I was able to get to know him. I hope the years of great memories and laughs can ease the grief of the Gillispie family knowing he has achieved the goal for which we are all striving.
Jaime Foss
December 28, 2022
My fondest memories of Uncle Bill were when, as a young girl, my family would stop at his home for a Christmas visit. I didn't get to see Uncle Bill and Aunt Mabel often, however, as soon as you walked in their door it was as if no time had passed. I remember his smile and his laugh the most. I pray the sweetest memories bring comfort to the Gillispie family during this difficult time. Love to you all!
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julie Gillette/Vinson
December 28, 2022
So sorry for your loss . Hugs to the family
Mike George
December 28, 2022
It was truely an honor to have known and worked with Bill. His gruff facade but kind and generous heart is a trademark that would be difficult to duplicate. My experience with Bill of being held at gunpoint in a Jewel store being robbed is etched in my memory as much as what I learned from this man in my early career which I will never forget. God Bless you my friend and my sincere condolences to the Gillispie family.
Paul & Anne Luering
December 28, 2022
We have fond memories of Bill through our church worship and many activities. He always had a smile and a positive attitude. We feel blessed to have known him. Our hearts are breaking for Mabel and the entire family! Please know we are with you in spirit today as we are not currently in the area. May his love carry you forward in the difficult days ahead.
Laura Sweeney
December 28, 2022
That smile will truly be missed. Praying that your family heals fast.
Debra Johnson
December 28, 2022
Bill was one of the most visible DM’s at Jewel. He was instrumental in my career and always gave me tips on store visits. Very sorry for your family’s loss at this holiday season. RIp
David Jefferson
December 27, 2022
Uncle Bill was a part of my life for 65 years. I'll miss all the stories of our lives together. He was a wonderful story teller. I'll never get tired of hearing them.
But the best story of all, was the life of William Cody Gillispie from his youth until his passing.
"Top Shelf" Uncle Bill. Well done!
Thanks for your love, companionship and advice. You made a difference in my life.
RIP
Keith Cunningham
December 27, 2022
Bill Gillespie was a great District Manager, a great mentor, kind , all ways listening to what I had to say , he always helped and gave great advice to his Managers to be successful . I was one of his Store Manager’s . Mr. Bill Gillespie lived around the corner from me in Crete Illinois, I use to see him take his walks around the neighborhood with his golf club . He will definitely be missed . My condolences to Bill’s family. BILL RIP / RIH my friend, GOD bless you !
Jim Cooper
December 26, 2022
I have very fond memories of Bill through golf and tennis at Legends. Always had fun at both. He will be missed. Condolences to Mae and family. Happy hour tonight will be Kettle One.
Don Pries & Emalee Baldwin
December 26, 2022
We’ve made many friends and acquaintances in our years at Legends, but a relatively short list of sincerely felt “connections “,Bill and May are at the very top of that list. We will miss him dearly but always have wonderful memories.dinners at the club, Super Bowl parties, enjoying golf and tennis, sharing visits to Chicago,.his friendly admonitions as I struggled with tennis and golf, “..if you don’t want to hit the ball, don’t look at it”, “swing easy, let the club do the work”.
Thanks for the memories Bill!
Fred Holbrook
December 25, 2022
Bill & I each played in the 80+ nine hole golf group at Legends. I played with him on 12/12 & was scheduled with him on 12/19. Nice guy. My condolences to the family.
Patrick Bill
December 25, 2022
Had a blast with him when we were at the McCormick Plce preparing meals for 3,000 people! Much love to him and his family!
Carmen Rufffino
December 24, 2022
Bill you were a great teacher, and well respected mentor, you will be dearly missed but your legacy will live on. Your footprint will be hard to fill.
ROBERT MASLINSKI
December 24, 2022
I will always remember the times we shared while we were on golf trips. Although I havent seen you in years,i
thought of you often. You were truly a good person and friend.
Lori and Hal Schichtel
December 24, 2022
Our hearts are beyond broken for all of us. We were blessed to have had such a wonderful neighbor and friend. Bill was not only a wise mentor, but he was also generous and kind. And oh, how he could make us all laugh. I will always remember when Hal would say, "I'm riding with Billy today", and how excited he got. Through our tears, we are celebrating your homecoming Bill. Well done friend, well done. Until we meet again...
Mark Panzer
December 24, 2022
Condolences to the Gillispie family.
Barbara & Jim Mendola
December 23, 2022
What can we say about our wonderful FLorida neighbors and friends. What a shock this is. We will always remember the good times we had with Bill & May . Bill was always fun to be with and May was always there when I needed a friend. We will remember you both always.
Stephen Capling
December 23, 2022
I just lost my very best partner in life. Bill and I first met in 2000 and it has been a real life time experience.I will miss him very much.
Kelly Invergo
December 22, 2022
Love you Dad
PETER DONZELLI
December 22, 2022
Humper, I'll miss you big time, but most especially I thank you for ALL of the GREAT memories and laughter.
Showing 1 - 23 of 23 results
3045 Chicago Rd, Steger, IL 60475
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