Larry L. "Digger" Gillespie

He was born in Oceanside, CA, April 29, 1946 the son of Glenn S. and Dorothy Matthews Jackson. He was adopted by his step-father Dan Gillespie so that he could enlist in the United States Navy prior to his 18th birthday. He served aboard the USS Iwo Jima and was released from active duty to the U.S. Naval Reserves April 28, 1967. Larry earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal (1 star) and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device.

His military service was a part of his heritage as his father and step father both served. He continued his service to his comrades throughout his life. He was a member of the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 534, was a member and past commander of the VFW Post 10302 Northender’s, Hall Hagler DAV, Navy Club, served on the Illinois State Council of the Vietnam Veterans of America, was a founder member as officer of A.B.A.T.E, and member of the Patriot Guard. Digger spent countless hours as an advocate for fellow veteran’s, assisting them with documentation, policy and procedures to apply for Veteran benefits. He petitioned many legislator’s meeting with them in person to discuss awareness of the struggles of veterans after they served and were discharged. Digger never forgot his fellow veterans from Vietnam. Although in poor health, he spent many hours making phone calls and reaching out to several resources to plan, coordinate and orchestrate the Vietnam Wall Experience hosted by Bisch Funeral Homes in 2003.

He married Sharon Hagen on August 12, 1972. As they raised their two sons, Roberto “Robby” and Larry Jr., Digger was very much involved in their lives and was a proud dad, coaching their T-Ball and Mickey Mantle Baseball teams at Fairview Park. Friendships and brotherhood ran deep in his way of life. He was a loyal member of the Bro Rider’s Motorcycle Club and was always there to lend a hand to anyone that needed it. He had a passion for playing pool and was quite accomplished. He was a member of the J&J Ventures Pool League. He personally as well as his team acquired a substantial collection of trophy’s from tournament play across the city, state and Midwest. They were consistently invited to Las Vegas for National and World tournaments as well.

Digger retired from the Central Labor’s Local 477 in 2001.

Surviving are his wife Sharon, his two sons, Robby (Rochelle) Gillespie all of Rochester, IL, and Larry Gillespie Jr, of Springfield, IL. He has five grandchildren, Alanna, Arianna, and Parker, all of Rochester, IL, and Gavin and Justice, both of Pawnee, IL, and a host of friends. He was preceded in death by his dear mother, Dorothy Meade and her husband Chuck, his brother Kenny, and his sister Linda.

Visitation and Funeral Services: The family will greet friends on Sunday, November 25, 2018 from 2 until 4 pm at Bisch Funeral Home West 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd. Springfield. The funeral service will be held on Monday, November 26, 2018 at 12:30 pm with Father Brian Alford officiating. After a prayer at the monument of the time capsule from the Vietnam Wall Experience located on the grounds of Bisch Funeral Home West, the procession, escorted by the Bro Rider’s MC and the Patriot Guard will leave for Camp Butler National Cemetery where graveside services will full military honor’s conducted by the U.S. Navy and the Inter-Veterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County will be held.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may direct memorial contributions to Digger’s family.

Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhome.com where tributes and condolences may be shared with the family.

Arrangements are in the care of Bisch Funeral Homes. 544-5424