Charles Robert Gillespie

Charles Robert Gillespie, age 92, a resident of the Park Springs Retirement Community in Stone Mountain, GA went to be with the Lord on January 2, 2018. He was born February 1, 1925, in Williamston, SC. His family relocated to Commerce, GA when he was a child. He graduated from Commerce High School and moved to Atlanta in 1942. During World War II, he served in the Pacific Theater in the Army Air Force. He retired from the Coca-Cola Company in 1987 with a 34-year career. He is a graduate of Georgia State University. He was a member of the Atlanta Baptist Tabernacle 40 years and transferred to First Baptist Church of Avondale Estates on April 6, 1992, and was a member of the Bill Williams Sunday School Class, Chancel and Saint Alive choirs and the Golden Ager Club. He served as deacon at both churches, and was recognized as Deacon Emeritus on November 2, 2014. He was a life member of Optimist International and past-president of Conyers Optimist Club; Area Governor of Toastmasters International; member of Kappa Phi Kappa Professional Education Fraternity; member of the Atlanta Chapter of the Coca-Cola Collectors Club. He was married to Vivian (Bobbie) Gillespie for 59 years, prior to her death in 2011. They traveled extensively to many countries and toured all 50 states of the U.S.A. He is predeceased by his wife, Bobbie, and son-in-law, Luther Burton III, and survived by daughter, Rebecca Burton, grandsons Luther IV and Eric of Decatur, 10 nieces and nephews, and numerous great nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be held on January 5, 2018, at 12 Noon, in the chapel of A.S. Turner & Sons. Interment will follow at Floral Hills Memory Gardens. Family will receive friends on January 4, 2018, from 4 PM until 6 PM at A.S. Turner & Sons. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to First Baptist Church of Avondale Estates, 47 Covington Road, Avondale Estates, GA 30002, or charity of choice.