John William Gillaspy Jr.

John “Bill” William Gillaspy Jr. was born to John and Eula Gillaspy on April 23, 1938 in Shawnee, Oklahoma. We passed on September 17, 2024 to meet all of his four-legged companions that he had missed so much.

John attended Shawnee Schools and then enlisted in the United States Navy. He trained at the U.S. Naval Training Center in San Diego, California. He was very proud of the time he spent serving our country. He spent many years as an auctioneer, owning his own business. Later in life he went to work for 1st Advantage Bail Company in Holdenville, Oklahoma, where he spent over 30 years. Here, he quickly became best friends with his boss, Susan Ervin. They enjoyed working together for many years.

John had lots of hobbies. He loved car racing, even sponsoring a race car. You could find him at Red Dirt Raceway, the tracks at Meeker. Every morning he held “Court” with his buddies at Sunny Side-Up Restaurant. John also enjoyed traveling. He relished all of the views as he traveled through Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. Playing pool at the VFW was a favored game that he was good at, he didn’t mind showing you the trophy he won either! John was a collector of many things, antiques, dolls, cars, whatever he could find a good bargain on. The great passion of his life was his dogs. He always enjoyed having them around to keep him company, no matter what he was doing.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and Barbara Gillaspy.

Those left to cherish his memory are daughter, Lynn Jackson; son, John “Bill” Gillaspy III; daughter, Wynema Gonzagowski and husband, Michael; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; best friend, Susan Ervin; and his beloved dog, “Duke.”

A visitation for John will be held Monday, September 23, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Resthaven Funeral Home, 44909 Highway 3, Shawnee, OK 74801. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 2:00 PM, 44909 Highway 3, Shawnee, OK 74801. A committal service will occur Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 3:00 PM at Resthaven Memorial Park, 16006 S Rock Creek Rd, Shawnee, OK 74801.