Dr. Charles A. Gillespie

Cochran Funeral Home of Blairsville announces Funeral Services for Rev. Dr. Charles A. Gillespie, of Blairsville, who passed away Monday, October 19, 2015, in Union General Hospital in Blairsville, following a period of declining health.

Dr. Gillespie was born February 3, 1925 in Indianapolis, Indiana to the late Bryant Welsh Gillespie II & Jane Austin Gillespie. In his youth, he was active in the Boy Scouts and attained the rank of Eagle Scout. He graduated from Short Ridge High School and attended Purdue University to study Aeronautical Engineering. There Charles was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, and it was here that he met the love of his life, Leslie Canning . He graduated early and went to Naval Officer Training School at Notre Dame. After receiving his Naval Commission, he was stationed in Pensacola, Florida during the conclusion of WWII. After military service, Charles began a career in personnel management with Allison/ General Motors, during which time he earned his Masters degree through Butler University. At this point, Charles was called to leave his career behind and go into full time ministry.

Dr. Gillespie earned his Doctorate of Theology from Emory's Candler School of Theology. While in the process of completing his doctorate program, Dr. Gillespie became the Associate Pastor of Decatur First United Methodist Church. He and his wife, moved back to Indianapolis where he served White Harvest UMC, and then to Evansville, Indiana to serve Aldersgate UMC. Dr. Gillespie led Aldersgate UMC for many years, and through a massive building and expansion project. He was active with the Masonic Lodge and Scottish Rite. He retired at the age of 65 and moved back to Georgia, first to Lilburn and then to Hiawassee. Shortly after his arrival to the mountains, he became Pastor of Providence United Methodist Church in Blairsville. Dr. Gillespie was a true gentlemen who dedicated his life to Christ and His Kingdom. He was a gifted preacher and teacher.

He will be warmly remembered by all who knew him, but especially missed by his family: his sons, Charles A. Gillespie, Jr. & David C. Gillespie; and his brother, Bryant Welsh Gillespie III. Also, sharing in his legacy are 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 23, 2015 at Providence United Methodist Church, located at 3075 Pat Colwell Road, Blairsville, with Rev. Bill Edwards & Rev. Jim Aiken officiating. Special Music will be presented by Barbara Poole. Pallbearers will include: David Gillespie II, David Gillespie III, Phillip A. Gillespie, Andrew R. Gillespie, Matthew Cushma & Jim Krause. Interment will follow at Providence United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until the service begins.

Arrangements entrusted to the care of Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville.