Michael Curtis Gillespie

Michael Curtis Gillespie obituary, James Island, SC

Michael Curtis Gillespie

Michael Gillespie Obituary

Visit the J. Henry Stuhr Downtown Chapel website to view the full obituary.
Michael Curtis Gillespie, 63, of James Island, South Carolina passed away on Monday, June 27, 2016. Son of the late Curtis Claunch Gillespie, Jr. and Maurine Sanders Gillespie, Mike was born on November 25, 1952 in Aurora, Colorado. A graduate of AC Flora High School in Columbia, Mike attended the University of South Carolina and remained a loyal Gamecock fan throughout his life. Happy and amazed by the beauty of nature, Mike was an avid animal lover and birdwatcher. He found great joy in traveling to the rainforests of Costa Rica and never tired of watching the wildlife that flocked around his beloved deck by the pond. Truly a kind, gentle and content spirit, Mike is survived by Candace Fair Gillespie, his loving wife, best friend and traveling companion of 21 years. He is also survived by brothers Bobby Gillespie (Pam), Joel Gillespie, a sister Mary Johnson (Sandy), nieces Michelle Flores (Steven), Heather Tyer (Rory), Laurel Galloway (Clay), Anna Maas (John), Shannon Gillespie, Madeline Gillespie, a nephew Sanders Gillespie (Kimberly), as well as many loving friends and other family members. A celebration of Mike's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology or the Rainforest Alliance. J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. of Charleston assisted the family with arrangements. "Lately I remember afternoons filled with smoke and wine. There was nothing we could find but peace and pleasure. And with a smile he told me that he wanted just to be on his way across the sea no man can measure." Jackson Browne, From Silver Lake

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July 22, 2016

Gene Caughman posted to the memorial.

July 4, 2016

Dede Grow posted to the memorial.

July 2, 2016

Louise Palmer posted to the memorial.

Gene Caughman

July 22, 2016

Mike & I were classmates from Satchel Ford Elementary through AC Flora. I remember him as smart, kind and a good baseball player. I wish I had been able to keep up with him over the years but life took us on different paths. I know he's in a better place.

Dede Grow

July 4, 2016

Candace,
I have such fond memories of us working together at AJ's...he was such a wonderful "boss" and friend! I was so saddened to see his obituary...he messaged me months ago on Facebook and asked me to stop by and see him at his store...I kept meaning to go by...I so wish I would have now...I was so glad that you two found each other...my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Louise Palmer

July 2, 2016

A great guy! A great smile! He will be missed!

Aron Dietzel

July 1, 2016

I only know you through your brother Joel. And I know he loves you. Praying for all those whose life you touched.

Irving Rosenfeld

July 1, 2016

You have traveled the great sea that no man can measure. You began that journey without pain. You have added enlightenment to all before you passed to the other side. God bless.

Amy Blue

July 1, 2016

Candace,

I am very saddened about Mike and you are in my thoughts and prayers - he was precious to you and you were precious to him. Mike always had the best choices when I needed help at the store, and his kind and warm welcome whenever we met will always be treasured. Love, Amy

July 1, 2016

I love this picture and love Mike so much - he has been a constant in my life and world!
Leigh Ann

Victor and Marge Del Bene

July 1, 2016

Candace, we were so sad to hear about your loss. It was always a pleasure to run into Michael at his work, see his smile, and enjoy our conversations. We will keep you and his family in our prayers, especially at Mass this Sunday.

Vic and Marge

william stokes

July 1, 2016

So sorry for your loss. Mike such a great guy. Take care

Debbie McCravy

July 1, 2016

I am thinking of you and praying for peace for you and your family. Mike was a wonderful man and will be sadly missed by so many. With heartfelt sympathy, Debbie and Larry McCravy

Self portrait at the Shivers Cancer Center, 2015.

Karl Sanders

July 1, 2016

My fun loving and kind cousin Mike was the eldest son of my Aunt Maurine (known as Sissy), who was Karl, Sr.'s sister. My main memories of Mike are when his family visited our grandparents house in Sherman, Texas, in the early 1960's. He and his brother, my cousin Bobby, and my brother Jeff and I would play there, mainly baseball in the backyard. I did not see him much in later years, since he lived so far away, but when he did visit Sherman for a funeral recently, he made a special effort to contact me, that meant a lot to me.

My condolences to his family, and to my cousins Bobby, Joel, and Mary. Mike was a special person, and he will be missed.

Karl P. "Cork" Sanders, Jr.
Dallas, Texas
July 1, 2016

Sue Wetherholt

July 1, 2016

Candace, I am so sorry to hear about Mike's passing. I know we always used to talk about our husband's having the same first name and our love of german shepherds. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Love you, Sue

Ruth Fortini

July 1, 2016

Dear Candace,

I know that no words can help what you are feeling, but please know that so many people are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,
Ruth Fortini

Terry Steyer

July 1, 2016

Candace & Family - Please know that the thoughts and prayers of the entire MUSC Department of Family Medicine are with you and yours today and during the difficult days ahead. Terry Steyer

Bebe Barton

July 1, 2016

I grew up with Mike through elementary school on through high school. He was always the smartest one in the class. I lost touch with him until I ran into him at AJ's and then lost touch again. Sounds like he had a very good life.
Bebe Barton

Walter Durst

July 1, 2016

Mike was a cool guy. We grew up together through school, mostly at Flora. He was very kind to everyone he met. We both shared an interest in birds. Prayers go out to his family, and may they know that his soul is soaring high and is free. God bless you.

Colleen Nichols

July 1, 2016

Candace, I was so shocked to read of Mike's passing. I am at a lose for words to express how sorry I am. A few years ago, you and Mike were very dear friends of ours. We miss that friendship. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. If you need anything at all or just want to talk, please contact me. I wasn't always there for you, but know that I will be anytime you need. You have so many wonderful memories of you and Mike and all of your travels, keep those memories close to help you be strong during this sad time in your life. Love you!

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Sign Michael Gillespie's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

July 22, 2016

Gene Caughman posted to the memorial.

July 4, 2016

Dede Grow posted to the memorial.

July 2, 2016

Louise Palmer posted to the memorial.