Richard Keith Gillespie, age 59 died Monday, July 18, 2016 at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. Born in Cleveland County on March 21, 1957, he was preceded in death by his mother Mildred Louise Hammett Gillespie and a sister, Donna Blanton. Richard was a member of Ascension Lutheran Church. He was the head baseball coach at Gardner Webb University prior to going into Sales for Specialty Lighting and later Cleveland Lumber. He was an avid sports fan and loved the Green Bay Packers. After five years of dialysis, Richard received a kidney transplant on March 9, 2016. Richard also enjoyed cooking and baking.

Richard is survived by his wife of 34 years, Johanna Scholz Gillespie; two daughters, Lauren Triebert and husband Bryan of Apex and Kristen Gillespie and partner Rebecca Coley of Durham; two brothers, Ronnie Gillespie and wife Phyllis of Shelby and Larry Gillespie and wife Louise of Myrtle Beach, SC; a sister, Glenda Durham and husband Steve of Belmont; two grandchildren, Olivia Triebert and Jake Triebert; Special niece, Ashley Brafford of Kings Mountain; and Joyce and her husband, the late Ben Lail, and family, who have always been close to his heart.

Memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at 4:00 pm at Ascension Lutheran Church with Pastor Christina Auch officiating. Inurnment will be in the church columbarium. The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship hall.

Memorials can be made to: American Kidney Fund (online) or Ascension Lutheran Church, PO Box 266, Shelby NC 28151.

Cecil M Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Gillespie.

Guest Registry is available at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com