John Pernell Gillispie

John Pernell Gillispie, beloved husband and father of four, passed away on October 23, 2022, at 81 years of age at the Thomson-Hood Veterans Center, from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elva and Lawrence Gillispie, two brothers, Lawrence Charles, Jr., and James Donald, and a sister, Mildred Jean.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joyce; sons, Jon David (Carol), Craig (Jennifer), Brian (Susan), Michael; and grandchildren, Ross, Caleb, Truett, Brett, Parker, Taylor, Grey, and Anna Bell; brother, Robert; sisters, Peggy (Buddy), Sandy (Tickie), Vicki; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins, and a special aunt he affectionately called “Annie.”

He was born in Harrison County, Kentucky, served three years in the U. S. Army, received a BA degree from Asbury University, and a Masters degree from EKU. He taught 2 years at Red Bird Mission, coached basketball, and pastored a church there. John wore many hats – husband, father, grandfather, veteran, served two terms as Jessamine County magistrate, developer (The Meadow Subdivision). He also served as chairman and member of the Jessamine County Education Foundation, chairman and member of the Ford Philpot Evangelistic Association, and a member of the Wilmore Camp Meeting Board. Some of his many interests included his love of Tennessee Walking Horses, old cars, especially his 40 Ford truck and 40 Ford convertible, sharing stories, politics, and college football. He was especially proud of his effort to bring the Thomson-Hood Veterans Center to Jessamine County.

Services will be held at 12:30 PM, Saturday, October 29, at the Roberts Chapel UMC where he was a pastor for eight years, with Pastor Bryan Hester and Bro. Roy Lauter officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until the time of service, at the church. Burial will follow at the Wilmore Cemetery, with bearers Brian U-Ren, Darrell Keith, Jonathan Watts, John Dixon, Lanny Spears, and Steve Agee.

Memorial contributions are suggested to go to Roberts Chapel UMC or to Bluegrass Care Navigators.

Betts & West is honored to serve the Gillispie family in their time of need. An online guestbook is available at www.BettsAndWestFuneralHome.com