Luther Martin Gillespie

December 7, 1957 - April 25, 2020

Luther Martin Gillespie, age 62, born December 7, 1957, to the late Eugene and Annie Ruth Gillespie, passed away after a lengthy illness on April 25, 2020, at his home in Johnson City surrounded by loved ones. Luther attended Northside Elementary, North Junior High, and was a 1975 graduate of Science Hill High School. He attended computer school in Kansas prior to his job at Eastman Chemical Company. Luther worked in several departments before retiring with 35 years of service. Luther was baptized at Grace Temple Church at an early age. He was a boy scout earning Eagle Scout and Order of the Arrow Achievements. He enjoyed pickup basketball, chess, pool and many other contests of skill. ‘Cool Hand Luke’ won most of the poker games or contests he played, as he was a very smart and very lucky man. Luther was soft spoken, and had a kind and generous heart for everyone, especially his family, friends, and co-workers. He was a die-hard Pittsburg Steelers fan and a truly good person, which is rare these days. Left to cherish his memory are fiancé and life partner, Kimberly Deel and children: Emily, Michael, Drew, and Tanner; brother, Eugene ‘Red’ (Georgia Goines) Gillespie; niece, Denise (Chris) Neal; nephew, Reginald (Kim) Gillespie; great nephews: Jadon and Jace Neal, Enoch Gillespie; great nieces: Isabella and Issa Gillespie; great aunt: Teretha Dean Akins; special cousin Angela Driver; best friends, Larry Black, Harlon Wells, Mike Hall, Arthur ‘Slick’ Sanders, and John ‘Spooky’ Simpson; and many other family members and friends.