Like everyone else who knew Cal, we've been sharing Cal Gillespie stories since the day Barbara sent us an email telling us he had left us here without him. One that I just remembered was in the late 1970's or '80's when we had a 'This Is Your Life, Cal Gillespie'. You and Cal were upstairs on the couch and rehab staff, family and friends were in the basement. Georgia and maybe Winnie were there too. What a great family you all made. So much love and joy shared amidst life's storms. Blessings on each of you as you learn to learn to live with Cal in your hearts instead of in your eyesight.  Love, Judy and David Bodenheimer 

So sorry to hear about Cal. He was always such a joy to be around at Oak City Baptist Church. I sure will miss him.He always had something funny to & uplifting to say. Thankful I got to know him.




What can a son say about the best Dad a son could ever have .... words can not express the love and admiration I have for my Dad, Cal Gillespie. He loved to make someone laugh and smile, and will forever be remembered as the most loving person I have ever known. 

Sorry to hear of Cal’s passing. Your family has always such fond memories for us. We think oh you so often. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Ed & Betty Daugherty 

Barbara and family, I am so sorry to hear about Cal. I know you all are heart broken. He was a special man and neighbor. Praying for all of you. 

We are so sorry to learn that Buck’s grandfather has passed away. We are praying for God’s comfort and peace to be vividly present as you go through this tough time.  
We love y’all!
Dena, Jerry and kids

We have so many good memories of Cal and all of the family.  Cal was always having something good or funny to say anytime you saw him.  He loved children, especially my grandchildren and they loved him too.  Your family is in our prayers .  I know Cal will be greatly missed in the family, the community and especially in the church.  Our love to your entire family during this time and especially the days ahead.

Dear Barbara & Family,

So Sorry to read of Cal's passing.
Love & Prayers,
Donna Parris Mullins
Ocklawaha, Fla.


I remember when Cal opened the door for me to come work for Vocational Rehabilitation in 1987. This was a true life changing event for me and resulted in a fulfilling 24 year career. Like so many folks, when I think of Cal or see his photo, a smile comes to my face.  He had a positive impact on so many  lives.

A great, kind man who helped thousands during his long tenured career in the field of vocational rehabilitation - he will be missed !!! 

Cal, you gave me a second chance at the lowest point in my life. In the ensuing years, you remained my hero and idol. 

As I look back on time, I realize how blessed I have been and continue to be. My earliest memory of Cal was when he came home from attending UT. I remember when Barbara and Cal moved into a house two houses away. For the next few years, I was blessed with the best neighbors, friends, and examples of love that life had to offer. They offered me my first employment opportunities as a baby sitter an unheard of gig for a boy in those days. But their three rug rats were great kids. Now here we are all these years later and I stop to wonder how many of you kids,  grand kids and any kid in sight got to play the game Cal taught all of us local kids. Cal would wrap your head in his arm pit then say "let's have an arm pit smelling contest" and whomever was wrapped in his arm pit was on his side. When Bryan Lee started school, that made a total of 7 riding to school in a Nash Metropolitan. What a guy, a wonderful friend to anyone that was blessed to know him. This is not good bye, I'll see you later Cal.

My Brother Cal was a very Special Person always Loving and Caring and a very good listener.  I went to Church with him and Barbara for 10 plus years and his wonderful family. He would tell me stories about Buck.  We served together to honor and praise the Lord. He was such a kind and peaceful man never got excited about anything. It was such and Honor and Privilege to worship with him and Barbara while our Pastor was Jim Malone and his Wife Linda such a blessing.
He will be missed greatly.
Sincerely, Joseph Cummings
PS: I can still see his smiling face and his wife Barbara.

Cal was a great neighbor. I grew up next to him in Seymour and he filled in as a substitute teacher for a couple of classes I had — we loved him so very much. My dad, Jim Ward (now passed), shared Zane Gray books and many memories of our dogs with Cal. He will be greatly missed. My mother (Karen Ward) and I have donated to the Oak City Baptist Building Fund in honor of Cal. We are praying for his family! 

Coach Gillespie was my Freshman general science teacher at Lynn View High School in 1962.  He was a great teacher who genuinely cared for his students and the athletes he coached.  Prayers for comfort for Barbara and family. 

I am so deeply. sorry for your loss. Cal was a very special person. I loved it when he would wish me “Happy Birthday”, since we shared the birthdate, and “Happy Anniversary”, since Wayne and I were also married on December 9.  I know there is a vast void in your lives that Cal once filled. May God bless you and comfort you all in the days and weeks to come. Always remember your precious husband, father, and Papaw with that big old smile and ready laugh. He will be sorely missed.

Cal was the Best Boss I ever had.  Friendly, Fair,   always expected your best.  He will be greatly missed!

We are all so sad to hear about Cal. He was a wonderful christian man and we all loved him. Lindsay loved him since the first time she met him at church. When she was getting baptized and Cal was on vacation she had to talk to him on the phone right before she went into the water to let him know, she knew even then that he was very special. We will be praying for peace and comfort for all of you. The White Family

I remember first meeting Cal when I bowled in a South Knoxville Church league at Palace Lanes on Chapman Hwy. I was just a young college student then, and I thought a lot of Cal and Barbara. Cal was always so nice to me. Fond memories. 

Great teacher.  Great coach.  Better man.  He'll be missed   
by anyone who ever knew him.


Papaw Cal was a man that other men aspire to be. He loved hard,worked hard, and praised the lord even harder. Anyone that knew him knew he loved his children to the fullest. But he always had a special place for his grand children and great grand children. That is what i will remember most about him.  My wife and I Brianne, his granddaughter would bring our son over and the first thing that our boy would do is begin searching and looking around papaw and nannies home as if there was someone he just knew was there. As soon as he seen his papaw he would giggle and light up with the most loving smile and Cal would giggle right back at him saying HEY BOY! It was as if our boy had seen his best friend. I have so many wonderful and hilarious memories of papaw but my favorite of those memories would be seeing him with all the children in the family. As a father I can only dream to aspire to be the type of father Cal was. I know hes where he has dreamed of being, i know hes in heaven posted up eating a peach , or sitting in a fluffy recliner with his levi garrett and a book in his hand. But knowing hes gone , has made this world feel a bit lonelier. From this Marine to that Sailor.. i wish him fair winds and following seas. We love you Papaw Cal. and to all of his family , i love you all and i express my deepest condolences. 
Aaron 

OBITUARY

Charles "Cal" Bryan Gillespie

August 20, 1932 – June 9, 2020

Berry Highland South

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