For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. II Timothy 4:6-8
Danny K. Gillespie, son of the late William Gillespie and Bernice Ballad Gillespie, was born on January 17, 1949, in Bladen County. Danny received his formal education from Bladen County Schools. Then, his family moved to Lumberton, North Carolina, where he graduated from Lumberton Junior-Senior High School. Lumberton Dyeing and Finishing Company employed Danny for 20 years and Smithfield Foods in Tar Heel, North Carolina, until he retired. Danny had a love for fishing, repairing and restoring cars, and home repairs. He also did mission work as he often delivered food and supplies to the needy and always did it with a genuinely generated smile from the core of his heart.
Danny was a person that had a cheerful personality and brought the sunshine to every room that he entered. He was a steadfast cheerleader and great supporter of his wife, Pastor Brenda Gillespie, and had a passion for the church which he exemplified through his commitment.
Danny departed this life on Saturday, May 30, 2022. He was preceded in death by his father, William Gillespie, his mother, Bernice Ballad Gillespie, and five brothers, Dewey, Jerry, William, Bobby, and Clifton Gillespie.
He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Pastor Brenda Gillespie of Lumberton, North Carolina; two sons, Tyrone and Jerome Love of Lumberton, North Carolina; two daughters, Regina (Gerard) McRae, Teresa (Terrance) Powell, both of Lumberton, North Carolina; two sisters, Virginia Lennon and Ella Gillespie, both of New York; five brothers-in-law, Earnest (Judy) Love, Morris (Cathy) Love, Owen (Patricia Ann) Love,
Larry (Patricia) Love, Nick Charles Love, all of Lumberton, North Carolina; eight sisters-in-law; Anner Mae (Allen) Thompson, Betty (John) Blount, Shantell Love, Janice Love, all of Lumberton, North Carolina, Geraldine (Deon) Campbell of Greensboro, North Carolina, Wanda McDowell of Georgia, Denise Love
of Tampa, Florida, and Frances Love of Rocky Mount, North Carolina; three grandchildren, Sherea Jones, Javin McRae, and Baylin McRae; three great-grandchildren, Kiyan Serenity Jones, Kori Shawntrice Morrisey, and Kymani Samyra Morrisey; special friends, Alicia Moody, Larry Vample, Pete Fields, and James and Sabrina McRae; a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
