Ray E. Gillespie

Ray, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away Sunday, October 16, 2022 at Brian's House at the age of 79 years. He was born in Bay City on May 20, 1943 to the late James III and Ruth (Yonker) Gillespie. Ray was confirmed, baptized and was married in St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church where he was an elder, a trustee, an usher and on the finance committee. On July 4, 1964 he married Coreen Kolb and they were married for 58 years. Ray worked and retired in 2006 after 30 years from General Motors. He was very involved with sports, from coaching little league to attending all of his children and grandchildren's events. He was also a devote U of M and Detroit Tigers fan. In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing, gardening, hunting, fishing and spending time with his grandchildren.
Ray is survived by his wife, Coreen; daughter, Kelly (Steve) Eddy; son, Kurt (Susan) Gillespie; grandchildren, Danielle Eddy, Megan (Tate) England, Joseph Eddy, Tori (fiancée Randy Mieras) Gillespie, Amber Gillespie, Benjamin Eddy and Brooke (fiancée Chris Wengert) Gillespie; great grandchildren, Carson Eddy, Summer England, Colt England and Oakland Mieras; brothers, James (Lou) Gillespie, John (Sandra) Gillespie and Robert Gillespie; sister, Charlotte Wanless and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his sister, Gloria (Richard) Misiak; brothers, Carl and Paul Gillespie; brother-in-law, Ron Wanless and sister-in-law, Marjorie Gillespie.
At the request of Ray, cremation has taken place, a memorial service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church. Officiating will be Rev. Paul E. Schaewe. Friends and family may visit at the Gephart Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. visitation will continue from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the memorial on Thursday at the church. Contributions may be made to St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church. For online condolences visit www.gephartfuneralhome.com