Thomas Joel Gillespie, 76, of China Grove, N.C., passed away on April 26, 2022. He was born on June 28, 1945, in Mooresville, N.C., to the late Marvin and Bertha Shronce Gillespie.

Tommy served our country proudly in the United States Air Force as an aircraft control and warning radar specialist. He was a treasured volunteer at Richard’s Coffee Shop in Mooresville. Tommy was an out-going guy whom everyone liked. He was a friend to many and a wonderful dad and grandfather.

In addition to his parents, Tommy was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Adams Gillespie; sister, Sondra Mills; and brother-in-law, Tommy Mills.

He is survived by his children, Angela Gillespie Cash (Douglas) and Thomas Joel “TJ” Gillespie Jr. (Jennifer Ensley); step-son, John Chamberlain (Toni); grandchildren, Justin Rickner, Brandon Rickner (Hannah Perkins), Bryan Cash (Lizzy) and Megan Cash; step-grandchildren, Ashlyn and Austin Harrity; great-grandchildren, Sophia Rickner and Lylah Cash; sister, Karen Giampetro (Paul); girlfriend, Pam Larue; and two nieces and a nephew.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at 12 noon at Richard’s Coffee Shop, 165 N. Main Street, Mooresville, N.C.

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Tommy’s life and service to our country, memorial contributions can be made to Richard’s Coffee House, 165 N. Main Street, Mooresville, NC 28115.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Gillespie family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.