Walter J. “Joe” Gillespie, Jr.

Walter “Joe” Gillespie, Jr., also known as “Spider,” to his close friends, 80, of Highland, IL, passed away on Monday, November 25, 2024, at Memorial Hospital in Shiloh, IL.

He was born on December 5, 1943, in Highland, IL, to Walter Joseph and Vivian (nee Kantner) Gillespie, Sr. On May 10, 1963, Joe married Tronda Hinze at the E & R Church, now EvUCC, in Highland, IL.

Joe was an avid classic car enthusiast, attending many car cruises with his son, Joe. He enjoyed woodworking and loved spending time with his family, especially his son. Joe was a founding member of the JBC Band that he played in with his son, Curt, and Bill in the mid-1980s. He worked as a painter owning a successful business in the 1970s, and eventually retiring from Boeing in St. Louis, MO. Joe had many repeat customers and was respected for his craft.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Vivian Gillespie, Sr.; his wife, Tronda; his brothers, Mike Gillespie and Patrick Gillespie (in infancy); sister, Barb Sylvester; brother-in-law, Dan Stallings.

Joe is survived by his son Walter J. “Joe” (Janet) Gillespie III, of Highland, IL; granddaughter, Alayna (significant other, Eddie Stanley) Gillespie, New Orleans, LA; sister, Connie Stallings, Highland, IL; brother, Tim Gillespie, St. Rose, IL; sister-in-law, Sue Gillespie, Antioch, IL; multiple nieces and nephews.

Memorial donations can be made to BJC Hospice or Siteman Cancer Center.

Visitation: Tuesday, December 3, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, and Wednesday, December 4, 2024, from 9:00 to 10:00 am at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Funeral Service: Wednesday, December 4, 2024, 10:00 am, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Clergy: Rev. Chuck Kurfman, Pastor

Interment: Highland City Cemetery

Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL