James H. Gillispie

James Howard Gillispie, 83, better known as "Turkey" to all of his hunting buddies of Madison Heights, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 16, 2023, at Lynchburg General Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Lynchburg, he was the son of the late Howard A. Gillispie and Mary Katherine Magann. James served his country in the National Guard for eight years. He was retired from G.E./Ericsson with 44 years of service and was a longtime member of Oakdale Baptist Church. In addition to hunting, James enjoyed family trips and frequent trips to the Outer Banks.

He was also preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, June Keesee Gillispie and one sister, Betty Proffitt.

He is survived by his Pride and Joy, Mary Campbell; three children, Jeanette King (Jay), Sherry Johnson (Terry), and James Gillispie Jr. (Jennifer); one sister, Nancy Hogan (Ryland); one brother, Cecil Gillispie (Betty); 10 grandchildren, Melissa Ramsey (Matt), Bryan Carson (Anna), Brandy Knabb (Matt), Zachary King (Gwen), Harry Doss, III (Heather), Spencer Gillispie (Rosalia), Trevor Gillispie (Abbey), Hunter Gillispie, Kimberly Holguim (Chris) and Fisher Gillispie; and 15 great-grandchildren, Stella Ramsey, Ada Ramsey, Cora Ramsey, Braeden Hicks, Parker Carson, Gunnar Carson, Reagan Knabb, Tucker Knabb, Kloie Rogers, Logan Doss, Briella Doss, Laynah Gray, Hayden King, Reagan Gillispie and Amelia Gillispie.

A service celebrating his life will be conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday, February 19, 2023, at Whitten Monelison Chapel with Pastor Terry Wornstaff and the Rev. Marvin Suitt officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

A graveside interment will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at Briarwood Memorial Gardens.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider Oakdale Baptist Church, 1154 Brightwell Mill Rd., Madison Heights, VA 24572.

To send condolences online, please go to www.whittenmonelison.com.