Elmer L. Gillespie, 95, died August 17, 2019. A native of the Atlanta area, he retired from the Postal Inspection Service after 34 years of service. He later worked with the Chattanooga Visitors and Convention Bureau and volunteered at the Chattanooga Aquarium. A veteran of World War II, he served as a staff sergeant with the Army Air Corps. He was a member of Ridgedale Baptist Church and previously Oakwood Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Lions Club and The American Legion, Post 95. He was a member of the Friendship Sunday School Class.
He was preceded in death by his first wife of 55 years, Gloria Withers, his second wife, Bette Jean West, and step daughter, Linda West McClure.
He is survived by his children, Gail Gillespie Bigler of Chattanooga and Atlanta; Bill Gillespie of Stone Mountain, Georgia, and John Gillespie of Las Vegas, Nevada; step daughter, Debbie West of Austin, Texas; as well as numerous grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held 2:00 Friday, August 23, at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with Dr. Doug Plumlee officiating.
The family will receive friends at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home from 5-7 Thursday evening.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com.