James (Bill) William Gillespie, Sr.,

James William (Bill) Gillespie, Sr., age 56 of Glade Hill passed away unexpectedly in an early winter's storm. He is preceded in death by his father, John Hampton Gillespie Sr.; sister, Kathy Joyce Gillespie of Tazewell. Va.
Bill is survived by his wife, Michele Denise Gillespie; his three children, Molly Elizabeth Triplett (R. Andrew Triplett), James William Gillespie Jr. (James A. McAbee) and Hayley Michele Gillespie. He was blessed with two grandsons, Aiden Doyle and Robert Gavyn Triplett.
Bill is also survived by his mother, Margaret T. Gillespie-Sene; sister, Deborah Lynn Gillespie; brother, John Hampton (Butch) Gillespie, Jr.
Bill served honorably for the United States Navy from 1982-1988, while attending UCSD, and working on a double major, in media production and electrical engineering.
Bill was awarded several accommodations for his accomplishments in the safe return to space program.  His contribution in the successful engineering of safety O-rings made it possible for continued safe space travel for present day astronauts. Due to this success, he was able to retire early, and dedicate his life to coaching children in many sports such as basketball, track, softball, coed softball and football. As well as the Commonwealth games.  He coached many children throughout the state of Virginia. But he will always have a special place in his heart for the children of Franklin County. Who to this day still call him Coach and will forever be known as his kids. Bill was also a freelance videographer while being the CEO to his own company Payne-Gillespie.
Bill will be honored with a military burial service. Due to the current health concerns of our country, his services and celebration of life will need to be postponed until February 22, 2021. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.