William Urban Gillespie III

William (Bill) U. Gillespie III passed away Sunday, March 14, 2021 at Miami Valley Hospital in Centerville, Ohio. Bill was born November 18, 1941 in Greensburg, Pennsylvania to Urban and Isabel (Doherty) Gillespie. His early childhood centered around an idyllic daily life in nearby Jeannette and days working in the family business at the M. A. Gillespie Co. clothing store. In 1955, Bill attended Saint Vincent Preparatory School in Latrobe, and this education was instrumental in sparking his lifelong interests in physics, mathematics, and all things aviation related. In the summer of 1959, Bill attended Georgetown University to pursue his interest in physics and to continue his religious education in the Jesuit tradition. He was awarded his Bachelor of Science in Physics in 1963 and returned to western Pennsylvania to start a career in the booming steel industry – however airplanes and air power never strayed far from his mind. During this time, a mutual friend introduced Bill to Betty Zona and the two had their very first date New Year’s Eve 1963. Soon thereafter, Bill began pursuing two main passions: a career in the US Air Force and a life-long romance with Betty. In 1965, Bill was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Air Force, and in 1966 he and Betty were married at Saint Simon and Jude Church in Blairsville, Pennsylvania amongst their many family and friends. The two newlyweds began their journey together at Grand Forks AFB, North Dakota where Bill was among the first certified launch officers for the Minuteman II intercontinental ballistic missile. As a Missile Combat Crew Commander, he led his team to a “Master Crew” rating, an award presented only to select air and missile crews who exhibit outstanding duty performance. During their time in Grand Forks, Bill and Betty welcomed their son Urban to the family, but their stay in North Dakota would be short. Bill’s expertise and broad knowledge of missile technology and operations next led him to Vandenberg AFB California to test and launch the nation’s most advanced missiles and satellites. It was here that Bill and Betty became parents for the second time as they welcomed their son Mark to the family. As the family took off, so did Bill’s Air Force career with an assignment to Colorado Springs and promotion to Major. During this assignment, Bill directed operations plans for our nation’s first defensive space weapons and the United States’ premiere anti-ballistic missile system. As busy as they were, both Bill and Betty found time to hunt local antelope, elk, and bear, and Bill enjoyed taking his young sons trout fishing for the first time. By now Bill was a recognized missile expert and the family was on the move again, as he was competitively selected to command a critical Air Defense radar squadron in Virginia. Continuing his string of successes, Bill transformed the squadron from a sub-par unit into one that received an “Excellent” rating in all areas. As their immediate and extended family grew older, Bill and Betty felt the call to be closer to western Pennsylvania, and so Bill accepted an assignment to Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. Bill was now the Chief of the Financial Management Division and he used his keen analytical skills and piercing insight to turn around lagging Air Defense programs across the globe. Bill retired from the Air Force in 1986 just as Betty’s career as an Air Force civilian was beginning. Not surprisingly, Bill made a seamless transition from active duty Air Force officer to supportive spouse, encouraging Betty in her career just as she had done for him. Bill’s interest in aviation never waned, and years after retirement he would eagerly attend air shows and visit every available aircraft museum from coast-to-coast, while never wavering in his support of Betty, Urban and Mark in all their individual pursuits. As Mark and Urban started families of their own, Bill’s passion and joy became his five grandchildren. The joy and love he had for his grandchildren knew no bounds. This proud Grandpa could be found at every soccer match, baseball game, track and cross-country meet, dance competition, theatre production, or musical recital. Regardless of how you knew him – Bill, Dad, Grampa, or Granddad – he was always present and eager to be an integral part of our lives and we were so fortunate to be part of his. Bill was predeceased by his parents and sister Rebecca. He leaves behind his wife Betty; children Urban (Francie) Gillespie, and Mark (Nancy) Gillespie; grandchildren Caroline, Liam, Aaron, Luke, and Ainsley Gillespie; sisters-in-law Amy Henigin and Cecilia Henigin; and brother-in-law John Zona. Funeral services will be held Tuesday March 23, 2021 at Tobias Funeral Home, 5471 Far Hills Avenue at Rahn Road, Dayton Ohio 45429 with visitation at 10:00 am and service following at 11:00 am. Burial will take place at the Calvary Cemetery in Kettering, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation may be made to the Air Force Museum in Dayton, Ohio, or to your favorite charity.