James Ray "Jim" Gillespie, Sr.

Hermitage, TN resident and Moulton, AL native James Ray "Jim" Gillespie, Sr., age 76, was born January 14, 1943 and died October 28, 2019 at Alive Hospice in Nashville, TN following a short illness. A bridge builder with Mountain Creek Contractors in Catawba, NC, he was the son of Soledad "Chole" Gillespie of McMinnville and the late David Daniel Gillespie. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Dean and Junior Gillespie; and sister, Virginia Carlin. In addition to his mother, he is survived by two children and daughter-in-law, Mary Anne Gillespie of McMinnville and Jamie and Jennifer Gillespie of Old Hickory, TN; two granddaughters, Taylor and Raegan Gillespie both of Old Hickory, TN; companion and family, Ruth Lawson of Hermitage, TN, Juli Lawson of Smyrna, TN, and Mitch and Nathan Lawson both of Nashville, TN; four brothers and sisters-in-law, David and Jane Gillespie of Antioch, TN, Charles and Susan Gillespie of Cookeville, TN, Nolberto Gillespie (Karen) of Altamont, TN, and Wallace and Penny Gillespie of Franklin, TN; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Linda and David Dunlap of McMinnville and Betty and Bub Ray of California; and several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. A graveside service and interment will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, October 31, 2019 in Gardens of Memory Cemetery with family to officiate. There will be no visitation at High's. Family and friends are to meet at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alive Hospice, 1718 Patterson St., Nashville, TN 37203 or American Cancer Society, 2000 Charlotte Ave., Nashville, TN 37203. Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com. High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.