NEWPORT NEWS — Leo Gillespie, 86, passed peacefully from labor to rest Sunday, May 24, 2020. Born, April 2, 1934, he was the second youngest of 16 children born to the late Bundy and Mamie Gillespie.
After graduating from Huntington High School in 1952, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He earned the rank of staff sergeant and served as a jumpmaster in the paratroopers with the 82nd Airborne Division. He heroically served two tours in the Vietnam Conflict, where he was wounded. Upon returning home, he received both the Purple Heart and Bronze Star and retired honorably from military service. He went on to earn a license of cosmetology and worked in the Casbar Restaurant, a family-owned business started by his late sister, Blanche Brown, and her husband.
He was preceded in death by his aforementioned parents; sisters, Pauline Gillespie, Ethel Parker, Blanche Brown, Wrilmerteen “Doll” Tobe, Mildred Williams and Ruth Williams; and brothers, Eugene Gillespie, Ernest Gillespie, Hank Gillespie, Luther Gillespie, Bundy “Lip” Gillespie Jr., and James Gillespie Sr.
He leaves to cherish his memory: two sisters, Delores G. Brown and Cleo G. Parker, both of Hampton; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Viewing will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, June 1, at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel. A private celebration of life for Mr. Gillespie will be held Tuesday, June 2, at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel. Following services, he will be laid to rest with military honors in Hampton Memorial Gardens.
Share online condolences with the family at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel & Crematory.
