Obituary of Billy Ray Gillispie

Billy Ray Gillispie Of Bruno, WV Billy Ray Gillispie, 67, of Bruno, went to be with the Lord Friday, May 14, 2010, from Cabell-Huntington Hospital at Huntington after a short illness. He was born January 12, 1943, in Mingo County, a son of the late Lester and Martha Newsome Gillispie. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Lester Gillispie; two brothers, Eddie Gillispie and Bobby “Burrhead” Gillispie; and one infant sister, Louise Gillispie. Bill was a coal miner who retired from Gopher Mining Company in 1985. He was a member and former committee member for the UMWA District 17. Bill was an Army veteran of the Viet Nam War and was of the Baptist faith. An avid outdoorsman, Bill enjoyed playing golf, hunting, and fishing. Devoted to his family, he was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. Bill loved spending time with his grandchildren. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 45 years, Shirley M. Carter Gillispie of Bruno; one daughter, RaeLynn (James) Albright of South Man; one son, Billy Jack Sexton of Hurricane; two step-daughters, Vonda (Danny) Copley of NC and Annette (Richard) Gibson of South Man; one brother, James (Sandra) Gillispie of Ripley; a special sister-in-law, Patty Gillispie of Lavelette; a special nephew, John E. Gillispie of Lavelette; eight grandchildren, Casey and Nicholas Albright of South Man, Misti and Eric Sexton and Daniel and Bethany Copley, all of NC, and Chelsea and Zack Gibson, both of South Man; a special great-grandchild, Destiny Brooke Wilder of NC; and many nieces and nephews along with a host of other relatives and friends. Visitation will be held from 6-9 p.m. Monday, May 17, 2010, at the Krantz-McNeely Funeral Home at Man, where the visitation will end with a simple memorial service with Rev. Woody Gillispie officiating. Honoring his request the remains have been cremated. Krantz-McNeely Funeral Home at Man is in charge of the arrangements.