Lewis Gillespie

Lewis James Gillespie, 71, passed away on June 2, 2018, Saturday morning at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City with family at his bedside.    He was born on October 14, 1946 in Klamath Falls, Oregon to Oscar and Phoeba Gillespie.    For years the family traveled to several western states, harvesting fruit and vegetables every summer. He attended New Lima High School and worked for OTASCO and met, dated, and became engaged to Norma Fry after receiving his draft letter from the Army in 1965. In those 2 years, he spent the last 10 months in Vietnam. Upon discharge, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and one for Marksman with his Rifle M-14. A month after homecoming, he married Norma on November 24, 1967.    After working for McRay’s Well service, he soon found work with brickmason, Junior Calvert. After working with the crew for several years, Calvert sold his business to James, and the same crew continued on with James for many more years. He was forced to retire after suffering from a fall on the job.    One of his loves was to golf and fish with his brother Buzz and various friends around Seminole. James also learned to be a good carpenter from Buzz, and they shared their skills in doing many jobs on the side. They, along with brother Billy and friends, were usually seen at their favorite hangout first called Breedlove’s—now Country Corner—to chat and share stories. After retirement, it remained a favorite place to still see old friends.    After both retired, James and Norma loved to travel, making trips ranging from one side of the country to the other to see the kids and other relatives.    James was baptized at Faith Temple in Wewoka with his son Clay in 1982. In about 2013 they began attending Temple of Praise in Seminole where they were involved in varied church activities.        James leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife, Norma, of the home; two daughters, Scarlette McCoy of Seminole, OK, Cassandra Humble of Gainsville, GA; one son, Clay Gillespie of Castle Rock, CO. Grandchildren, Jordan Humble, Garrett and Grayson McCoy, and great grandson, Aidyn Humble. Also sisters Auttis (Charles) Johnson, Seminole, OK and Barbara (Danny) Harris, Roland,Ok; and brother Edward “Buzz” (Charlotte) of Seminole, OK.    Preceding him in death include his parents; one brother, Billy Gillespie; one grandson, Joshua Humble, and one nephew, Robbie Johnson. Pallbearers will be his grandsons Garrett McCoy and Grayson McCoy, nephews Billy Johnson, James Johnson, Travis Gillespie and Erin Gillespie, friend Kenny Brewer, and co-worker of 30+ years, Paul Postoak, Honorary pallbearers include Bill Lozier, Frank Brinsfield, James Blanton, Bobby Ramsey, David Postoak, and all his buddies encompassing the church men’s group, construction workers, friends at Country Corner and the Seminole Golf Course.    The family will receive friends Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at Swearingen Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.    Funeral services with Military Honors are scheduled for 11:00 AM, Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at Immanuel Fellowship Church, 3103 North Hwy 3, Seminole, Ok, with Seminole Pastor Jeff Nance officiating the service.  Services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole.      Because the family knows not everyone is blessed with such a loving husband and father, they ask that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Family Resource Center (domestic violence services), 211 North Timmons, Seminole, OK, 74868.  Note on checks: Building Fund in memory of Lewis Gillespie. Funeral Information: June 6, 2018, 11:00 AM Immanuel Fellowship Church - Seminole located at 3103 North Hwy 3, Seminole, OK 74868