Larry Joe "Gunsmoke" Gillespie

Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford Larry Joe "Gunsmoke" Gillespie, 83, of Abbeville, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2025, at the Oxford Cancer Clinic, surrounded by the love of his family. A visitation will be held Friday, July 25, 2025 from 5:00PM until 7:00PM at Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford (601 Commerce Parkway, Oxford, MS, 38655). A funeral service will be held Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 3:00 PM also at Coleman Funeral Home with a visitation an hour prior to the service. Born on April 6, 1942, in Pontotoc, Larry grew up with a deep love for family, friends, and the simple joys of life. After graduating from Randolph High School, he attended Itawamba Junior College and went on to serve as a proud Mississippi Highway Patrolman, a career where he earned the respect of all who worked beside him. Larry also served his country for 16 years in the National Guard. Larry lived life with purpose and heart. He loved camping trips with Fay, his wife of 63 years, fishing adventures with his son, lazy afternoons gardening, and peaceful days by the river with his daughter. He was a friend to many, both near and far, even building lasting connections on Facebook with people he never met in person. Family was the center of Larry's world. He held high expectations for his children and grandchildren, teaching them to be self-sufficient, to respect others, and to live with integrity. One of his greatest joys was anticipating the arrival of his first great-grandson, Ryder Busby, a little one he so looked forward to meeting. Larry's legacy of love, loyalty, and laughter will continue to live on in all who knew him. He leaves behind a family who will forever cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Fay Gillespie; his children, Melissa Anderson (Will Cooper) of Columbus, MS, and Larry II Gillespie( Wendy Gillespie) of Abbeville, MS; grandchildren, Hunter Anderson, Tyler Anderson, Taylor (Jacob) Busby, Claire Gillespie, and Robert May; his brother, Tommy (Debbie)Gillespie of Randolph, MS; and a host of extended family and dear friends. Larry was welcomed into heaven by his parents, Thomas Delain and Volene Gillespie, and his brother, Barry Gillespie. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital ( https://tinyurl.com/3zhr64wx ) or Le Bonheur Children's Hospital ( https://tinyurl.com/e3dyb86w ) , causes close to Larry's heart The staff at Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford is honored to serve the family during this challenging season of life. Condolences may be expressed online on his Tribute wall at www.colemanfuneralhomeox.com.