Frank N. Gillespie

Frank N. Gillespie, 95, of Nitro passed away Thursday, November 8, 2018 at Hubbard Hospice House West, South Charleston. Born in Charleston to the late William Harvey and Beulah Woodrum Gillespie. He was also preceded in death by his loving wife, Phyllis Blackwood Gillespie and brothers, William H (Dorothy Lookado) Gillespie Jr, and Kellis L Gillespie, husband of Virginia Dumont. Frank was a graduate of Dunbar High School and a graduate of Springfield College, Massachusetts. While at Springfield College, he was on the Gymnastics Team. During his college years he worked as a professional circus clown performing on the trampoline and as a juggler. He was also a member of the Barbershop Quartet at Morris Harvey College (University of Charleston) while working on his advanced degree in education. He came to St. Albans Junior and Senior High School in 1952 as a Science Teacher. He served as counselor and Vice Principal of the new St Albans High School and returned to the Junior High School as Principal in 1962. Before entering education, Frank was Physical Director and Association Secretary of the Kokomo, Indiana YMCA and remained involved in the YMCA teaching water safety, diving, and swimming at the Charleston YMCA. His work in youth programs continued in the summer months, working at Tapawingo Farm Camp in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania with his wife, Phyllis for over 18 years. His college studies were interrupted by World War II when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Medical Corp. He served three years at the Medical Research Institute, National Naval Medical Center. Surviving is his son and daughter-in-law Greg W and Janet L Gillespie of Ormond Beach, FL. Also surviving are his two loving grandchildren, Zachary (Kelsey Majoy) Gillespie and Andrea Gillespie, as well as his great granddaughter, Charlotte G Gillespie. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Thursday, November 15, 2018 at the First Presbyterian Church, 201 Kanawha Terrace, St. Albans with Rev. Doug Jenkins officiating. Burial will be in Cunningham Memorial Park, St. Albans. Friends may call one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Hubbard Hospice House, West, In Memory of Frank Gillespie, 4605-A MacCorkle, SW, South Charleston, WV 25309. You may visit Frank’s tribute page at chapmanfuneralhomes.com to share memories or condolences with the family. Bartlett-Chapman Funeral Home, family owned and located at 409 Sixth Ave., St. Albans is honored to serve the Gillespie family.

Frank N. Gillespie

February 9, 1923 - November 8, 2018