Randy Jay Gillespie, 58

Randy Jay Gillespie, 58, of Middleport, Ohio died at his residence.

He was born in Gallipolis, Ohio, on April 2, 1959, son of the late Carl W. and Jean Allison Gillespie, who survives him. He graduated from Gallia Academy High School in 1977. He attended Rodney United Methodist Church for several years.

Randy loved playing his guitar, banjo and other instruments as early as his pre-teen years. He was especially proud and pleased to “lay claim” to teaching his youngest brother and his young nephews to play guitar. He liked the rock music of his era as well as country and gospel music. He enjoyed composing several meaningful or entertaining songs down through the years. He worked at Baker Equipment Company in Columbus soon after high school. After 5 years he moved back to Gallipolis, worked at Foodland, and then had his own lawn care business.

Randy was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents as well as his father, Carl.

He is survived by: his mother, Jean; his brothers Marty (Sharon) Gillespie and Travis (Theresa) Gillespie; his nephews, Powers (Briana) Gillespie, Bruce Gillespie; his nieces, Sophia and Olivia Gillespie; along with great nephew Eli and great niece Penny Gillespie. Several loving aunts, uncles and cousins also survive him, along with caring friends.

Services will be 11 a.m., Thursday, July 27, 2017 at the Willis Funeral Home with Pastor Todd Hines officiating. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Rio Grande, Ohio. Friends may call at the funeral home on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 from 7–9 p.m.