Roll Call Tribute

Joseph William "Joe" Gillespie 

July 25, 1932 - May 16, 2024 

Joseph (Joe) William Gillespie, 91, a lifelong Houstonian passed away peacefully May 16, 2024.

Joe graduated from St. Thomas High School (1950) and followed in his father’s footsteps attending Texas A&M University, Class of 1954, Captain 6th Group Staff. He served in the U S Air Force in South Korea for two years as a Lieutenant. Upon discharge, he returned to Houston and pursued a career in Chemical Engineering with various companies. He accepted an offer from Carl Smith as an appraiser for Harris County Tax Appraisal. After a couple of years, he “changed sides” and founded J S & D Corp. He retired in 2010. The company is still thriving today.

Joe loved sports. He coached baseball for Northwest 45 Little League and Dairy Ashford Little League, and watched his grandchildren play football, baseball, and basketball. He loved Aggie football and held 45 yard line season tickets for 30 years, attending games regardless of the weather. He enjoyed live theater, and supported TUTS for many years. He was a lifetime member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and Lifetime HLSR BBQ Committeeman. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and loved seeing everyone have a good time in the backyard pool. For relaxation he and Susan traveled to NYC Broadway shows, Cruised, went on Galveston getaways, all while enjoying a great Bloody Mary!

He is survived by his wife of 37 years Susan; children Karen Gillespie, Shelly (Brian) Haag, Chris (Cynthia) Gillespie, and Brian (Elizabeth) Gillespie; Grandchildren Jade Doss, Monica Gillespie, William Gillespie, Craig Haag, Courtney Dunn, Megan Gillespie, Sean Gillespie, Alejandra Gillespie and many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his sons Robert, Craig and Jon P.

Visitation will be May 21, 2024, at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Frwy from 5 to 8 PM with the Rosary at 7PM.

Graveside service will be May 22, 2024 at Forest Park Lawndale, 6900 Lawndale Street at 3 PM.