John Gillespie

John B Gillispie (Gillespie) passed away peacefully on Oct.19th, at Pocahontas Center with his wife by his side. Johnny was born November 17, 1939, in Arbovale to Mae (Snyder) Gillispie and Delbert Gillispie. He was part of a large family. He had many memories of growing up on the farm milking cows, hoeing gardens, tending to sheep, and working with his sisters and brothers. He was taught to value family, education, honesty, good friends, and hard work.

Johnny was a lover of books, words, Coors Lite and a good cigar, and most of all West Virginia. No matter where he was living, he always returned to West Virginia and Arbovale. He had a cabin built across from the old farmland on Buffalo Mountain Road. He spent his time there working on his land, helping Mae with the farm and walking in his woods. You could find Johnny in the evening sitting by a campfire behind the cabin or reading a good book underlin ing passages and words that he especially liked.

He was an avid jogger. He thought nothing of working outside all day and then jogging five miles around North Fork. He was always up for a challenging game of volleyball at the family farm. He loved playing horseshoes with his brother, brother-in-law, cousin, and friends.

Johnny graduated from Green Bank High School in 1957 and then spent three years in the army where he worked in the underground Pentagon at Fort Ritchie, Maryland. He attended and received a bachelor’s degree from Glen ville College and later a master’s degree from the University of Illinois. Johnny moved to Southern California in the 1960’s. He taught at Meadowbrook Middle School in Poway, California. Then he became one of the driving forces behind opening a new alternative high school, Abraxas High School. He eventually returned to Meadowbrook Middle School as a guidance counselor and then dean of students. He met his wife Debbie at Meadowbrook. Johnny split his time between New Hampshire and West Virginia after he retired. His last years were spent in West Virginia.

John was predeceased by his infant son Mark, his brothers Julian, Sterle, Jerry and James (infant). He leaves behind his wife Debbie, brothers and sisters Wayne Gillispie (Kay), Susan Peck (Jesse Lynn), Nancy Barker (Denzil), Nadine Harrison and Steven Gillispie (Janet). Johnny was close to his many nieces and nephews. He was especially close to his nephew Tim. They spent many hours discussing philosophy while driving between New Hampshire and West Virginia.

Johnny wrote poems. Here’s a little diddy he left behind.

My life flew by so very fast

I know it surely won’t last

My eighty years I do recall

Each year I loved, I loved them all

There will be a graveside service at Arbovale Cemetary led by Tim Gillispie on Thursday, Oct. 22nd, at 2:30 pm. Friends and neighbors are welcome to attend.

Johnny and Debbie would like to thank the staff of the Pocahontas Center for their caring, their skill, and their compassion.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Pocahontas Human Society. 304-799-6767